Defending champions Dilong knocked out as Penli enter quarterfinals
The third day of the ongoing Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2026 saw defending champions Dilong Ward eliminated from the competition.
With two losses in two games, Dilong Ward are now out of the tournament after a poor title defence campaign. In the first match of the day, Dilong lost to Alempang Ward 0-1 in their Pool A encounter. Merenchemba scored the lone goal of the match for Alempang in the 45th minute to knock the defending champions out.
Dilong had earlier lost to Tongdentsuyong in the tournament opener and will play their last match of the tournament on March 27 against Penli Ward. Alempang Ward now have three points from two games and will play their decider against Tongdentsuyong Ward, who also have three points from two matches.
Penli Ward, meanwhile, are Pool-A leaders with two wins from two games. They defeated Tongdentsuyong Ward 2-0 in the second match of the day to become the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals. Sentiyanger and Ayimtiba scored for Penli, who had earlier beaten Dilong 4-1. The winner of the Alempang and Tongdentsuyong match on March 27 will determine the other team to qualify from Pool-A alongside Penli. A draw will ensure Tongdentsuyong progresses on goal difference.
In the third match, Sungkomen Ward defeated Kumlong Ward 3-1. Lipoksunep scored in the first minute, setting the tone after their opening loss to Sangtemla Ward. Tarepnungsang added a brace in the second half, while Shabong scored a consolation for Kumlong.
Kumlong must defeat Sangtemla by a margin of at least three goals when they meet on March 28 to advance on goal difference ahead of Sungkomen, who have now played out all their Pool-B matches. A draw will be sufficient for Sangtemla to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
In the fourth match of the day, Marepkong defeated Yimyu 3-0, leaving Pool C wide open with both teams on three points from two matches. Imlisanen and Hengwa scored in the first half with Atong adding a third in the second half for Marepkong.
Today’s Fixtures (March 27)
11:00 Am Mongsenbai LijabaLijen
12:30 Pm Arkong Artang
2:00 Pm Dilong Penli
3:30 Pm Tongtentsuyong Alempang
