Rhitso Mero scores opening goal; Eshong Konyak nets brace in 3–1 final win
N Obang Memorial Football Team defeated Merasen 3–1 in the final to clinch the 14th Marsosang Football Trophy, marking their third consecutive title win in the biennial tournament. Er Wapanginba M, Executive Engineer (R&B), South Division Kohima graced the final as the special guest.
The final was played at Langpangkong Tzükong Government High School, Chuchuyimlang Playground. Rhitso Mero opened the scoring for N Obang Memorial Football Team in the 37th minute, before Eshong Konyak extended the lead with a brace in the 68th and 72nd minutes. Merangtemjen scored the lone goal for Merasen in the 75th minute.
Merasen dominated possession in the early stages of the match and created three clear chances but failed to convert. Against the run of play, N Obang MFT capitalised on a set-piece when Rhitso Mero headed home from a free kick to take the lead, shifting the momentum of the game.
In the second half, N Obang MFT appeared more composed and dominant, with improved coordination across the field. Eshong Konyak emerged as a constant threat in the attacking third and sealed the contest with two well-taken goals. Merasen managed a late consolation through Merangtemjen, but were unable to mount a comeback.
Merasen captain Tajungsang delivered a strong performance, though his side struggled with finishing. Despite being a newly formed club this year, Merasen featured several players with prior experience in Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) trophy, contributing to their impressive run to the final.
Despite finishing as runners-up, Merasen’s Toshimongba was adjudged the Best Player of the tournament. The award was sponsored by Bendangtoshi Kichu, Lead Bank Manager for Tuensang, Noklak and Shamator.
In the individual awards category, Pangersunep of Morung United Boys FC was named Best Defender, sponsored by Walok, Mokokchung. The Best Goalkeeper award went to Imtisashi of N Obang MFT, sponsored by Sangyu Lkr, Dimapur. The Highest Goal Scorer award was jointly claimed by Yahok of Vision Sporting Club and Ngansang of Morung United Boys FC, sponsored by Temjentemsu S Gilgal, proprietor, Chuchuyimlang.
The Best Team award was sponsored by the family of late Imtisunep, while the semi-finalists’ prize was sponsored by Maongyanger, JE, RD Block Tzurangkong and Pongen Automobiles Hyundai, Mokokchung TVS.
The champions walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh along with the running trophy, medals and certificates, while the runners-up received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh along with a trophy, medals and certificates. It may be mentioned that the prize money for the runners -up was sponsored by the special guest, Er Wapanginba M, Executive Engineer (R&B), South Division Kohima.
