Sangtemla Ward won the fourth edition of the Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament on Friday by defeating Penli Ward in the tie-breakers after the match ended 3-3 at the end of regulation time as well as extra time.
In a classic final match, Sangtemla Ward veteran playmaker R Achi scripted a remarkable hat trick but his efforts were cancelled out by Penli midfield stable Ayimtiba’s brace and skipper Limakumzuk’s goal.
Achi made the breakthrough in the 4th minute and scored his brace in the 9th but Ayimtiba scored the first of his brace just one minute later. The Penli skipper leaped from his position in the back to score the equalizer in the 16th minute. Achi completed his hat trick in the dying minutes of the first half as he scored in the injury time. The score line read 3-2 in favour of Sangtemla Ward at the end of the first half.
However, Penli Ward kept their tempo going and it was Ayimtiba who once again scored the equalizer for the second time in the match 54 minutes into the game. As the match progressed, tension gripped the players prompting the referee Ashong to show the yellow card to Imsuwapang of Penli and Talisunep, Nungshijujang and goalie Pachapong of Sangtemla.
The game ended in a 3-3 draw after regulation time, following which an extra time of 20 minutes was played with neither side able to break the deadlock. The match eventually went to the spot kicks where Sangtemla came out victorious with the score line 3-2.
The tournament was organized by the Marepkong Youth Association which kicked off at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on 10 April. 13 of the 18 wards in Mokokchung town participated in the fourth edition of the tournament. The guest of honour at the closing ceremony was Dr I Wati Imchen, Principal, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung.
Highest Scorer: Tarepnungsang of Tongdentsuyong and Supongmeren of Artang with 5 goals each were the joint winners of the Highest Scorer award. Imsutoshi of Penli Ward was awarded the Best Goalie while Namang of Artang ward was awarded the Best Defender. Sangtemla Ward’s Molotsupong was awarded the Player of the Tournament.
