Telongjem FC has booked their berth in the MDFA Trophy final for a record fourth time in a row and is now just one game away from becoming the first team in the tournament’s history to lift the coveted trophy four consecutive times. The defending champions find themselves on the cusp of history after defeating Super Seniors FC 1-0 in a hard-fought semifinal match at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on October 28. The field conditions, much improved from previous matches when the rain played spoilsport, allowed for smoother play, but the game itself remained cautious and slow-paced as both teams played it safe.

Olando of Super Seniors FC controls the ball as Mangkholen of Telongjem FC looks on to keep him in check during the second semifinal match of the MDFA Trophy 2024 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on October 28.

Both teams started the first half cautiously, perhaps conserving energy for the long haul under the sweltering October sun while avoiding any costly errors. Chances were scarce, and neither side took significant risks, resulting in a goalless first half.
In the second half, the tempo picked up slightly midway through, but it continued to be a tactical battle, with both teams hesitant to push forward aggressively. It also seemed that both teams were content to settle the score via penalty shootouts, trusting their respective goalkeepers.

However, just when the game seemed destined for extra time, Tiayanger committed a costly error inside the box, and Telongjem FC were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute. Pauhuilungbe Pame calmly converted the spot kick, making it 1-0 for Telongjem. Nungsangyanger dove in the right direction but still failed to keep the ball out, and Pame’s goal effectively sent Telongjem FC to the final.

With this win, Telongjem FC now has the opportunity to claim its fourth consecutive MDFA trophy, while KSUM will be hoping to pull off a major upset in its first-ever final appearance.

KSUM Captain Ready for Finals Challenge
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, KSUM captain Kapzei expressed his team’s excitement ahead of the final showdown. “We are excited for the final,” he said confidently. When asked about facing Telongjem FC, which has won the MDFA for three straight years, Kapzei was undeterred. “Telongjem is a great team that has won three years in a row, but we are no less of a team.”

Despite a 3-0 loss to Telongjem in the league stages earlier on October 21, Kapzei is confident it will not affect their mindset heading into the final. “We’ve put that loss behind us and are fully focused on the final,” he added. The two teams were grouped in Pool D during the league stages.

Regardless of the outcome of the final match, the MDFA Trophy 2024 is set to be historic. As predicted by MT, KSUM has proved to be the dark horse of the tournament and will walk into the final match vying to etch its name in the history of Mokokchung’s biggest annual sporting event, while Telongjem FC aims to cement its dominance in Mokokchung football.

No team has won the MDFA Trophy more than three times since the tournament’s inception in 1993, let alone lifted it four times in a row.

FINAL
Telongjem FC vs KSUM
October 30
1:00 PM

MT

27 thoughts on “MDFA Trophy 2024: Telongjem pip Super Seniors to reach fourth straight MDFA final”
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