Unbeaten Lekie Mtei FC emerged as the champion of the second edition of the Peren District Football League (PDFL) 2024 with 19 points after completing the 7th round on Monday at the New Jalukie Village football ground. The league is organized by the Peren District Football Association (PDFA) in collaboration with the New Jalukie Super League (NSL).
On the final day of the league round, Lekie Mtei defeated Kuki FC 2-1, securing 3 crucial points to clinch the league title. In a highly contested match, resilient Lekie Mtei FC struck first in the 21st minute when Sanyem Salem found the back of the net with a header from a brilliant corner taken by Zumzum.
After the break, Kuki FC returned with renewed spirit to find the equalizer. This was achieved when a free kick taken by Lamsanggin found the head of Lungouhao, making it 1-1.
In a thrilling showdown, Lekie Mtei FC regained the lead at a crucial moment with rapid attacks from the opponent. Zumzum converted a long pass from defender Haokhohen in the 79th minute.
Zumzum was awarded the “Khamlou Man of the Match.”
In the first match on Monday, Jalukie Falcons FC beat Puiteing FC 3-1. The Falcons, who stood second in the point table, took the lead in the 20th minute when Khangkinwi scored with a header from a cross misjudged by the keeper.
The Falcons doubled their lead when a corner taken by midfielder Khiuwang found an open Jangminlen at the near post, who scored with a powerful header.
Midfielder Ngaminminlun of the Falcons extended their lead in the 36th minute when a clearance was intercepted by Kewilungsubo.
Puiteing FC’s solitary goal was scored by Kenumdi in the 78th minute with a lob pass from Wibonjibo that cleared the offside trap. Kenumdi became the highest scorer for PDFL Season 2.0 with 8 goals.
The game saw hard tackles, resulting in cautions for Puiteing players Kamedibo and Pungbabeung. Merensang Pongen of Jalukie Falcons FC was awarded the “Khamlou Man of the Match.”
With the completion of the 7th round, all eight clubs will now vie for the PDFA Cup title, which will be played on a knock-out basis starting Wednesday. The closing ceremony will take place on September 7 after the final match of the PDFA Cup.
In the individual categories, awards were given as follows: Player of the Season to Yhoto Lohe of Lekie Mtei FC; Best Goalkeeper to Ngamsibo of Benreu FC; Best Defender to Haokhohen Sitlhou of Lekie Mtei FC; Best Midfielder to Khiuwangbo Kaurinta of Jalukie Falcons FC; Highest Scorer to Kenumdi Siarau of Puiteing FC; Emerging Player of the Season to Ngamminlun of Jalukie Falcons FC; Best Coach to Lavoriyi Theluo of Benreu FC; and the Outstanding Sportsmanship Spirit Award to Kingdom Stewards FC.