Arkong Ward defeated familiar opponents Artang Ward in the final match of the 5th Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament (MIWFT) 2024 to lift the trophy for a record second time on Saturday. The final match, which drew a capacity crowd at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, played out to the expectations of football enthusiasts in town as it promised to be a classic football final match from the word go.
Setting a tournament record, Arkong’s forward Bendangtoshi scored the first goal of the match with a chip shot over the Artang goalie just 20 seconds into the match. Despite the very early setback, Artang made several forays into the Arkong goal area but the backline led by skipper Inovi Chishi, who was eventually awarded the Best Defender Award of the tournament, could not be breached. Arkong doubled the lead in the dying minutes of the first half as vice-captain Aripong scored a decisive goal in 45+2 minutes, securing a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Artang did make valiant attempts in the second half and their persistence paid off when they were awarded a spot kick after Arkong’s Nyeiwang was penalized for handling the ball in the 60th minute. Arkong captain Inovi was booked for objecting to the referee’s decision and Tongpang Lemtur of Artang successfully converted the spot kick. Arkong responded quickly and Talitemsu scored his team’s third goal of the match to restore the 2-goal lead just 7 minutes after conceding the penalty.
With the 3-1 win, Arkong became the first team to win the tournament twice and cemented their dominance in local football. It was a rematch of the inaugural tournament’s final match in 2019 when Arkong pipped Artang by a solitary goal in extra time. The MIWFT is an annual competition organized by Marepkong Youth Association under the theme ‘Rise as One’.
The newly crowned champions Arkong were awarded a cash prize of Rs 50000 along with a trophy and certificates while the runners-up Artang were awarded Rs 30000 along with certificates. In addition, four individual prizes were also given away which included the Highest Goal Scorer to Tarepnungsang of Sungkomen Ward for his 9 goals, Best Goal Keeper Award to Kevin of Arkong, Best Defense Award to Inovi Chishi of Arkong, and Player of the Tournament Award to Namang of Artang ward. The prizes were presented by Vesupra Kezo, Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung.
Roll of Honor: Champions of the MIWFT
2019 – Arkong Ward
2021 – Artang Ward
2022 – Mongsenbai Ward
2023 – Sangtemla Ward
2024 – Arkong Ward
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji, who was the guest of honor, congratulated both teams on reaching the finals and mentioned that all the players are winners, and encouraged them to give their best. He also said that sport is not just about winning but also about discipline, sportsmanship, and friendship. He further urged the players on nurturing unity and conveyed his best wishes to both teams. The Deputy Commissioner also took the opportunity to urge the people to play their role as responsible citizens and participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha election on 19 April 2024 by casting their votes for the candidate of their choice.
