In a close semi-final encounter between two formidable teams, it was Dilong Ward who came out on top to become the first team book a place in the championship finale on May 14. It was a classic semifinal match played between Dilong and Sangtemla at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung on day 7 of the 3rd Inter-ward football tournament organized by Marepkong Youth Association with the theme “Towards Excellence.”
Sangtemla paid the price as two yellow cards in the last matches meant marquee player R. Achi’s automatic suspension from playing in the semis.
In a competitive but catastrophic encounter for the young Sangtemla squad, seasoned Dilong prevailed 2-1, ending Sangtemla’s hopes of lifting the trophy. In the 11th minute, Dilong’s Toshiwapang broke the deadlock, but Sangtemla’s Lanuwapang equalized in injury time of the first half at 45+1, ensuring that both teams went into halftime 1-1. At the 52nd minute, Toshiwapang gave Dilong a two-goal lead, securing the team’s place in the final.
Sangtemla had little to no luck, as stopper Molutsüpong’s free-kick from well beyond the box during the second half of the match didn’t bother seasoned goalie Imtisashi. As Sangtemla struggled to keep up with the loss of their key supplier, veteran R.Achi, the side paid the price as an attacking Dilong side took advantage of the situation in the midfield area and enjoyed better ball possession throughout the match.
With the victory, Dilong will play in the tournament’s final match on May 14, 2022, against the winner of the second semi-final match between Mongsenbai and Lijaba Lijen.