Arkong, Tongdentsuyong join Penli in Quarterfinals as Pool C goes down to the wire
Two-time champions Arkong Ward and Tongdentsuyong Ward have joined Penli Ward in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2026. Arkong Ward secured their place in the last eight after playing out a 1-1 draw with rivals Artang Ward in their Pool-D clash, while Tongdentsuyong Ward booked their spot from Pool-A with a win over neighbours Alempang Ward.
Pool-C remains the most unpredictable group, with all four teams level on three points after two matches each, having registered one win and one loss apiece.
In Friday’s opening match, Lijaba Lijen edged past Mongsenbai 1-0, with Suponglemba once again proving decisive with an 11th-minute winner. Lijaba Lijen had earlier lost 3-2 to Yimyu, while Mongsenbai had defeated Marepkong 2-0. Marepkong, in turn, beat Yimyu 3-0, leaving all teams tied on 3 points, with Marepkong leading on goal difference. The group will be decided in the final round of fixtures on Saturday.
In the second match, Arkong Ward and Artang Ward, two of the tournament’s most successful sides, settled for a 1-1 draw. Chubalemba gave Artang the lead in the 24th minute before Bendangtoshi equalized in the 35th. The result saw Arkong advance with four points from two matches. Artang will face Majakong next, with Majakong needing a win to qualify, while Artang require only a draw to stay in contention for a record-equaling second title. Arkong remain the only team to have won the tournament twice and are chasing a record-extending third title.
In the third match, defending champions Dilong Ward, already eliminated, suffered a 4-2 defeat to Penli Ward. Moachang, Ayimtiba, Sentiyanger and Itheka scored for Penli, while Medempok and Imzachet netted for Dilong. Penli maintained their perfect record in Pool-A.
The decisive Pool-A fixture saw Tongdentsuyong Ward defeat Alempang Ward 2-1. Neili opened the scoring in the 8th minute, and Toshimongba doubled the lead in the 36th. Imnawapang pulled one back for Alempang, but it proved insufficient as their campaign came to an end.
