Day 2 of the knockout stages in the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2023 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex featured the last two quarterfinal matches, showcasing Super Seniors FC’s triumph over tournament hopefuls KSUM in a penalty shootout, and KSR Team’s commanding 3-0 victory over SSS to secure their spots in the semifinals.
In the third quarterfinal match, Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) and Super Seniors FC treated fans to a thrilling day of football that was eventually decided by penalties. Super Seniors’ forward Chuba Imchen made an early impact by finding the back of the net for his team in the 19th minute, scoring the only goal of the first half.
KSUM, who had maintained an unbeaten record throughout the group stages, struggled to equalize before halftime, ending the first half with a 1-0 score in favor of Super Seniors.
After the break, both teams couldn’t make much headway until a penalty was awarded to KSUM in the 75th minute, successfully converted by their captain, Kapzei, equalizing the score at 1-1.
Regulation time ended with a 1-1 draw, forcing them to settle their fate with a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Super Seniors got off to a strong start as Angki missed the first spot kick for KSUM, while Chuba Imchen netted the first penalty for the Super Seniors.
W Khango successfully took the second penalty for KSUM, but Bendangsunep responded with success for the Seniors. KSUM’s captain Kapzei T successfully took the 3rd penalty, but the Seniors’ defender Bendangmongba matched it.
KSUM’s Pulei Nahpoh failed to deliver, while Temjenmeren successfully converted his penalty, concluding the tournament’s first penalty shootout and the match with a final score of 2-4 in favor of Super Seniors.
In the fourth and final quarterfinal match, KSR Team faced off against Sports Society Soyim (SSS) in a fiercely contested battle. KSR Team secured their place in the semifinals with a 3-0 victory in the end.
S Ayenmongba opened the scoring for KSR Team in the 5th minute, followed by Yhoto Lohe adding another goal in the 28th minute, resulting in a 2-0 scoreline at halftime. SSS attempted to make a comeback but couldn’t penetrate the KSR back line.
Lamsanggin Hangsing sealed the victory for KSR with the third goal in added time in the 92nd minute, eliminating SSS from the tournament and confirming KSR’s place in the semis.
The semifinals promise to be thrilling with KSR Team set to face defending champions Telongjem FC on Wednesday.
In the first semifinal match to be played on Tuesday, former champions Moanungsang MSC will square off against Super Seniors FC at 1 PM.
Col. Rahul Gurung, Kirti Chakra, Commandant of the 12 Assam Rifles, is set to serve as the Match Patron.