Telongjem FC for the second time in a row lifted the coveted MDFA Trophy 2022 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Wednesday after beating 2-time champions Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club by 2 goals to 1.
In a classic thriller of a final playoff between defending champions Telongjem FC, featuring some of Nagaland’s finest players, and Moanungsang MSC with home advantage, the former came out on top as they managed to capitalize their chances with perfection and accuracy.
Starting the first half, both teams possessed excellent command over the field promising a worthy final match. However, Moanungsang’s Nungshisashi being shown the yellow card in the 5th minute of the game for foul play caused a brief scuffle on the field. Another yellow for Moanungsang’s goalie Imsutoshi in the 15th minute of the game for handling the ball outside the box resulted in Telongjem’s box to box player Pursunep, who previously played his traits for Dimapur District in the Dr. T.Ao 2022, taking advantage of the decomposed goalie and breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute.
The Moanungsang side, on the other hand, made multiple efforts on goal but was unable to find an equalizer until Jongshiwati stepped up his game in the dying minutes of the first half. He scored the equalizer by swiftly navigating past three Telongjem defenders to hit the back of the net.
Starting the second half with a score of one each, both teams demonstrated resilience in maintaining a steady flow of the game while giving each other tough competition, but Telongjems’ coach Tiakumzuk had other plans as he strategically substituted their marquee ‘Goal Scoring Machine’ Yhunshalo Kemp for Bapen Yimjong, who had captained the winning U17 Nagaland Team in the Subroto Cup in New Delhi recently.
Taking the strain of the game with ease, Bapen Yimjong and Lanutoshi Longchar demonstrated superb ball execution. In the 74th minute of the game, Bapen exhibited his abilities by converting a free kick into a goal, volleying over the goalie into the bottom right corner from near the center circle. That one moment of magic was enough to seal the deal for the champions, while denying the 2006 and 2007 champions Moanungsang MSC their third title.
The champions Telongjem FC were presented with the trophy, citations and monetary award of Rs.2 lakhs while Runners Up Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club were presented with citations and monetary award of Rs. 1 lakh.
Individual prizes were awarded to Alemmongba for Best Defender from Longpa Lomuden FC, Tiasunep for Best Goalkeeper from O.C.Y.U, Merangtemjen (17 years) for Most Promising Player from Youngsters Club, Yhunshalo Kemp for Highest Goal Scorer from Telongjem FC and Pursunep for Player of the Tournament from Telongjem FC.
Earlier, Medo Yhoka, Advisor Technical Education and Elections, served as the Chief Match Patron while Meyisanger Lemtur, President, Mokokchung District Football Association gave the vote of thanks during a brief closing ceremony.
Advisor for Technical Education and Elections, Medo Yokha said that lack of infrastructure and other facilities for sports in the state has impacted up scaling of talents. He said this while addressing the closing ceremony of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2022. He, however, encouraged the players to continue in the spirit of sportsmanship despite infrastructural hindrances.