The group stages in the ongoing Mokokchung District Football Association Trophy 2023 concluded with an inconsequential yet action-packed match between Arka United and 16 United Brothers in a Pool B match up that saw 12 goals scored in total. Despite both teams having zero points from their previous games and already being eliminated, the match turned into a goal-fest, ending 8-4 in favor of Arka United.
The scoring commenced early with Imtikumba and Lumite putting Arka United ahead in the 9th and 14th minutes. 16 United Brothers fought back as Nikom netted in the 17th minute, but Putimeren of Arka responded with a goal in the 31st minute. Lemliba’s strike for 16 United in the 42nd minute ended the first half 3-2 in favor of Arka United.
In the second half, 16 United Brothers leveled the score at 3-3 with Wangnao Y Kongyak’s goal in the 49th minute, but Arka United regained the lead almost immediately with Kumsangtongzuk finding the net in the 50th minute. Imtikumba added another goal in the 58th minute, completing his brace. Alienba scored in the 66th minute, and Imtikumba secured a hat-trick in the 67th minute, giving Arka United a comfortable lead.
To cap off the high-scoring encounter, Putimeren scored his second goal in the 78th minute, extending Arka United’s lead to 8-3. 16 United Brothers managed to find one more goal in the 80th minute through Lemliba’s brace, but they couldn’t overcome the deficit, eventually losing 8-4 to Arka United.
Arka United conceded a total of 10 goals throughout the tournament, bringing their campaign to an end with a consolation win today, while the 16 United Brothers had a tough run conceding a total of 19 goals across their three league games – the most goals conceded by any team in the tournament so far.