Knockout stage set as tournament shifts to Imkongmeren Sports Complex
The knockout stages of the ongoing Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2026 will begin on Monday, March 30, at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. The league stages were played at Senayangba Memorial Stadium, Ungma, owing to the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election. However, the district administration has granted permission to the organizers to host the remaining matches at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex from Monday.
From Pool-A, Penli Ward progressed as group winners after winning all three matches and will face Pool-B runners-up Sungkomen Ward. Pool-A runners-up Tongdentsuyong Ward will face Pool-B winners and former champions Sangtemla Ward.
Pool-C witnessed the most intense contests, going down to the wire, with Marepkong and Mongsenbai progressing to the next round. Marepkong will face Pool-D runners-up Artang Ward, while Mongsenbai will take on Arkong Ward.
On the final day of the group stage on Saturday, Sangtemla and Kumlong played out a goalless draw in a Pool-B encounter. Kumlong needed a win to progress but fell short and were eliminated. Sangtemla advanced as group winners, followed by Sungkomen.
In the second match of the day, Marepkong defeated Lijaba Lijen 3-1 to progress as group winners. Suponglemba scored the opening goal for Lijaba Lijen in the 19th minute. However, they failed to capitalize on the lead, which would have secured them a place in the knockout round, as Marepkong dominated the second half. Imnanungsang scored the equalizer, while Imlisanen and Tongpetrong added one goal each to seal a 3-1 comeback win.
In another crucial Pool-C match, Mongsenbai and Yimyu played out a 1-1 draw, with Imnasunep scoring for Yimyu and Tiatoshi equalizing for Mongsenbai. Both goals came in the second half. The result saw Mongsenbai progress to the next round on goal difference.
In the final match of the league stage, Artang defeated Majakong 2-1 to advance from Pool-D alongside Arkong Ward. Kaikho scored first for Majakong in the fourth minute, but Artang came back strongly in the second half, with Tongpangkokba and Chubalemba scoring a goal each to ensure the former champions booked a berth in the quarterfinals.
The first quarterfinal match will be played between Penli Ward and Sungkomen Ward at 1:00 pm, followed by the second quarterfinal between Marepkong Ward and Artang Ward at 3:00 pm. The entry fee for spectators for the knockout matches is Rs 50 per ticket.
“The permission will be cancelled forthwith should any emergency arise in view of the upcoming by-election to the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency or for any public purpose,” the district administration stated.
