Chargers edge Telongjem FC 1–0 to face Doyang Strikers in the final
In what proved to be one of the most gripping encounters of the MDFA Trophy 2025, Chargers FC sealed their place in the finals after a hard-fought 1–0 win over former champions Telongjem FC, thanks to a late winner from substitute Illanger in the 84th minute.
The match opened with Chargers FC pressing high and attacking relentlessly, forcing Telongjem, usually known for their offensive play, onto the back foot. Osen of Chargers came close early on with a long-range attempt that narrowly missed the target, setting the tone for an intense first half.
Telongjem’s captain, Bapenyimjong, who had been a pillar of composure throughout the tournament, nearly cost his team after a rare mistake inside the box, but Chargers failed to capitalize. Meanwhile, Limatongzuk’s tenacity stood out as he chased every loose ball, though he too missed a key opportunity to give Chargers the lead.
Both teams traded blows in midfield, with Osen and Bapen locked in a fierce battle for control. Telongjem relied heavily on their wide players to stretch play, but their forwards lacked the finishing touch. Despite several half-chances, the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, Telongjem’s goalkeeper Horlan P Shimray proved to be their last line of defense, pulling off crucial saves from Longkhoi and Alemmongba to keep them in the contest. Vitoho Kiho too made a vital intervention to deny Longkhoi in what looked like a certain goal.
However, the breakthrough came late when Illanger, introduced as a substitute, stepped up to take a free kick from the edge of the box. His precise curling strike sailed past Shimray into the net, sending Chargers FC into wild celebration and booking their spot in the finals.
Both sides displayed grit and discipline, but the lack of a natural playmaker was evident throughout the game. Telongjem FC, despite a commanding performance from Bapen, could not find the rhythm that defined their earlier matches.
With this win, Chargers FC march into the MDFA Trophy final, where they will face the unstoppable Doyang Strikers FC on October 25, a showdown that promises to be equally electric.
New champions await
The MDFA Trophy is set to crown a new champion this year, as both finalists, Doyang Strikers FC and Chargers FC, are yet to lift the district’s premier football trophy. Both teams are debutants in the tournament and will join Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM), who won last year in their maiden appearance, as debutant champions if they clinch the title.
Semifinalist Telongjem FC will have to wait until next year for another shot at making history, as they aim to become the first team to win the trophy four times. Telongjem FC, along with Arkong SC and Snipers FC, currently hold the record for the most titles, with three wins each.
The final promises an exciting showdown of local versus outstation talent, as Chargers FC and Doyang Strikers FC battle to etch their names in the history of one of Nagaland’s longest-running football tournaments.
