Defending champions Arkong Ward knocked out in group stage; Mongsenbai, Sangtemla, Kumlong win

6th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament Update – Day 3

Day 3 of the ongoing Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament saw Mongsenbai, Sangtemla, and Kumlong wards win their respective matches, while defending champions Arkong Ward bowed out of the tournament after a disappointing campaign.

In the first match of the day, Mongsenbai drubbed a clueless Yimyu Ward 5-0, with all five goals coming in the first half. Imshimongba opened the scoring just two minutes into the game. The 2022 champions kept pressing, but Yimyu showed promise by holding off attacks until the floodgates opened in the 22nd minute, with Imshimongba netting his second goal. A disoriented Yimyu conceded four goals in a span of just seven minutes—Menjur added two in the 24th and 27th minutes, while Maongtemsu scored an own goal in the 28th. Despite a disastrous first half, Yimyu showed resilience, preventing further goals in the second half, though they failed to find the back of the net.

After today’s result, Group A is poised for a tight race, as all four teams still have a mathematical chance of advancing to the next round. Artang leads the table with two wins from two matches, but their fate will be determined after their final group-stage match against Mongsenbai. Group A is the only group with four teams, while Groups B, C, and D each have three. Yimyu sits at the bottom after two losses but could still qualify if they beat Penli by at least eight goals without conceding—an improbable scenario but mathematically possible—and Artang defeats Mongsenbai.

The highlight of the day, however, was two-time champions Arkong Ward being knocked out in the group stage after suffering their second defeat in as many games. Sangtemla’s nimble forward, Meyasenba, secured a crucial brace, sending his team into the second round as they look to replicate their 2023 title-winning campaign. Meyasenba opened the scoring in the 38th minute, but Nungsangtoshi equalized for Arkong in the 47th minute. However, Meyasenba struck again in the 52nd minute, sealing the victory for Sangtemla.

With only three teams in Group B, Arkong’s elimination means the group winner and runner-up will be decided when Majakong meets Sangtemla on March 29.

In the third match of the day, Kumlong defeated Marepkong 4-2. Shapong put Kumlong ahead in the 5th minute, followed by Fopang’s goal in the 23rd. Imlisanen pulled one back for Marepkong in the 25th minute, with the first half ending 2-1 in Kumlong’s favor. Imlisanen then equalized in the 41st minute, but Medemshiba restored Kumlong’s lead in the 49th before sealing the win with another goal in stoppage time (60+2 minute).

Like Group B, Group C is now straightforward—Marepkong, having lost both matches, is out of the tournament, while the group leader and runner-up will be determined after the Kumlong versus Tongdentsuyong match on March 29.

MT