The second day of the 6th Inter-Ward Football Tournament, played at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, saw Tongdentsuyong, Dilong, and Artang wards register crucial wins.
In the first match of the day, Tongdentsuyong drubbed Marepkong 3-0. Imtikumzuk scored all three goals for Tongdentsuyong in the 11th, 26th, and 53rd minutes, securing the second hat-trick of the tournament so far. With this emphatic win, Tongdentsuyong have, in all probability, qualified for the next round from Group C.
In the second match, Dilong ward defeated Lijaba Lijen ward 2-0, with both goals coming in the second half. Takutoba opened the scoring in the 48th minute, followed by Lipoknungsang’s strike in the 60+2nd minute. With only three teams in the group, Dilong ward are virtually through to the next round from Group D, although their qualification is not yet mathematically confirmed.
In the third match of the day, played between Group A teams Artang and Penli—the only group with four teams—Artang secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Both teams had come into the match after winning their previous games. With this win, former champions Artang have sealed their place in the next round.
The tournament, played in a league-cum-knockout format, will culminate on April 5. Group-stage matches are 60 minutes long, while the quarter-finals will feature 35-minute halves. The semi-finals and final will have 45-minute halves. A total of 13 wards are competing in the tournament, divided into four groups. Group A has four teams, while Groups B, C, and D each have three teams.
Thursday’s Fixtures
Yimyu Vs Mongsenbai – 12:00 Noon
Arkong Vs Sangtemla – 1:30 PM
Marepkong Vs Kumlong – 3:00 PM