The 7th Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament (MIWFT) 2026 concluded on April 4 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, with Mongsenbai Ward defeating Sungkomen Ward 2-0 to lift the trophy for the second time.
The evenly poised match ended 0-0 at half time. Eventual ‘Player of the Tournament’ Imnatoshi scored the first goal of the match in the 69th minute, collecting a well-placed long ball from the midfield and calmly chipping it over the advancing goalkeeper, minutes after Suponglepba’s strike was ruled offside.
The closing stages turned tense as Suponglepba was sent off in the 75th minute after receiving his second yellow card of the match. A brief interruption followed, with some spectators entering the pitch, halting play momentarily.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Mongsenbai held on to their lead as Sungkomen pressed for an equalizer. Imnatoshi then sealed the win with a second goal, finishing a counter-attack move in stoppage time.
Sungkomen Ward looked more organised in their shape, with better coordination and understanding, particularly in the first half. They created more chances and earned more corner kicks during this period. Their closest opportunity came in the 42nd minute when a long ball dropped into a 50-50 situation between the advancing Mongsenbai goalkeeper and striker Tarepnungsang.
Playing in front of a packed crowd, the players continued to push for a breakthrough, but signs of fatigue became evident as ball control declined and their shape began to loosen, with limited tactical execution. The second half saw fewer offsides and corner kicks.
With the win, Mongsenbai Ward, who had also won in 2022, join Arkong Ward as two-time champions of the tournament. Sungkomen Ward, despite consistent performances and reaching the semi-finals in the previous two editions and the final this year, remain without a title.
Individual Awards:
Highest Scorer: Imnatoshi (Mongsenbai Ward) with 6 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Imkongtemsu (Artang Ward)
Best Defender: Lanukaba (Mongsenbai Ward)
Best Midfielder: Lipoksungba (Sungkomen Ward)
Player of the Tournament: Imnatoshi (Mongsenbai Ward)
Besides, five players from the tournament were shortlisted for selection trials for the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) team for the Dr T Ao Trophy 2026. The shortlisted players are Lipoksungba and Lipoksunep of Sungkomen Ward, Ashish Rai and Lanukaba of Mongsenbai Ward, and Imkongtemsu of Artang Ward.
Roll of Honor: Champions of the MIWFT
2019 – Arkong Ward
2021 – Artang Ward
2022 – Mongsenbai Ward
2023 – Sangtemla Ward
2024 – Arkong Ward
2025 – Dilong Ward
2026 – Mongsenbai Ward
