MDFA Trophy 2023: Telongjem FC routs the Misfits, KSUM secures quarterfinal berth

In yet another day of high-scoring action during the ongoing Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2023, Telongjem FC faced off against 16 United Brothers in the first match, followed by the debutants Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) taking on Legendary Yeomanly Misfits in the second match of the day.

Telongjem FC left no room for doubt in the opening fixture as they stormed to a commanding 7-0 victory over 16 United Brothers. This resounding win marked their second consecutive win and brought them closer to securing a spot in the quarterfinals from Pool B.

The star of the match was Hoatensen Kigpen of Telongjem, who secured the second hat-trick of the tournament with goals in the 27th, 57th, and 76th minutes. H Robinson Kongsai also shone, contributing a brace with goals in the 31st and 42nd minutes. Kamgoumang Haokip added another goal in the 70th minute, while Kevisanyu wrapped up the one-sided encounter with a goal in added time during the 91st minute, resulting in a comprehensive 7-0 victory for Telongjem FC.

With two victories in as many games and a remarkable +9 goal difference, the defending champions and strong title contenders appear nearly certain to advance to the quarterfinals from Pool B, even if they were to lose their upcoming match on 26 October against NU Lumami. On the other hand, 16 United Brothers, who have suffered defeats in both of their two tournament matches, are now out of the competition. They will play their final match on 27 October against Araka United after being defeated 4-0 by NU Lumami and 7-0 by Telongjem. Even an unlikely win against Araka United in their final league match will not help them as they have lost in both of their previous matches conceding 11 goals in total. Dare Devils (Assam Rifles), who are already out of the tournament, is the only team that has conceded more goals than 16 United Brothers. The Dare Devils conceded 12 goals in two matches and 16 United Brothers would not want to concede any more goals than the Assam Rifles team.

KSUM secures QF berth

In the day’s second match, KSUM emerged as winners in a crucial showdown against the Legendary Yeomanly Misfits, securing their place in the quarterfinals as debutants. Both teams entered the match with victories in their previous games.

Phillimon opened the scoring for KSUM with a goal in the 8th minute, but the Misfits managed to equalize in the 29th minute with a goal from Bendangwapang. KSUM maintained their momentum, and David contributed the first of his impressive tally in the 34th minute, leading the first half with a score of 2-1 in favor of KSUM.

The second half witnessed KSUM dominating every aspect of the game, with Kapzeit scoring in the 57th minute and David completing his haul with goals in the 63rd, 87th, and 93rd minutes. This outstanding performance secured KSUM a well-deserved spot in the quarterfinals.

In their next match, KSUM will face Zonipang SA, who have lost both of their games and are already eliminated from the competition. The other two teams in Pool C, Legendary Misfits and SSS, will clash on 25 October to determine who will advance to the next round. Both teams have won one match and suffered one defeat in their previous two games.

Mokokchung Times