Two former champions bowed out on Tuesday as the quarterfinal stage of the Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2026 concluded at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
In a tightly contested third quarterfinal, Tongdentsuyong Ward edged past 2023 champions Sangtemla Ward in a penalty shootout after the match ended level in regulation time. Sangtemla struck just before the break, with Meyasenba finding the net in the 41st minute to hand his side a slender advantage at halftime. Tongdentsuyong responded in the second half, as Atoshe restored parity in the 53rd minute. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie was decided from the spot, where Tongdentsuyong held their nerve to convert five penalties against Sangtemla’s four.
The fourth quarterfinal saw Mongsenbai Ward produce a dominant comeback display to eliminate two-time champions Arkong Ward 5-2. Arkong made a dream start, with Nungshisashi opening the scoring in the first minute.
However, Mongsenbai turned the game around before the interval through a brace from Imnatoshi in the 22nd and 35th minutes. They extended their control after the restart, as Yangersosang and Asish added goals in quick succession. Manwong pulled one back for Arkong in the 72nd minute, but Shiponglemba put the result beyond doubt with a stoppage time strike, sealing a 5-2 win for Mongsenbai and keeping their title push on track.
Mongsenbai will face Tongdentsuyong in the second semifinal on Thursday.
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In the last four, Tongdentsuyong and Sungkomen are chasing their maiden titles, while Artang and Mongsenbai enter as former champions, having lifted the trophy in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
1ST SEMI FINAL (01 APRIL)
Sungkomen Vs Artang 01:30 PM