Goalkeeper Imtisashi stars again as Dilong wins 5-4 in tiebreaker
Dilong Ward punched their ticket to the grand finale of the 6th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament 2025 with a dramatic 5-4 victory on penalties over former champions Mongsenbai Ward in the first semifinal at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Wednesday.
In a nail-biting shootout, goalkeeper-turned-match-winner Imtisashi was the standout performer once again. Not only did he step up to convert from the spot, but he also pulled off a decisive penalty save to send Dilong into the final. The shot-stopper repeated his quarterfinal heroics against Tongdentsuyong, proving to be one of the most remarkable finds of this year’s tournament.
The 2022 champions, Mongsenbai, became the latest former winners to bow out, further underlining the highly competitive nature of the tournament. They fought hard but were ultimately edged out in a tiebreaker after the match ended in a 1-1 draw following regulation time and extra time.
Dilong converted all five spot-kicks, with Aotoshi, Temsuyanger, Takutoba, Imtisashi, and Imnayanger holding their nerve under pressure. Mongsenbai, who took the first shot in the shootout, kept their hopes alive by successfully converting their first four attempts through Toshinungsang, Tiatoshi, Lanukaba, and Tianuksung. However, Shipongliba stepped up for the decisive fifth kick, only to see his effort denied by Imtisashi, sealing Dilong’s place in the final.
The match had all the makings of a classic semifinal thriller, with both sides displaying attacking intent from the outset.
Dilong scored first in the 14th minute, when Takutoba found the back of the net to give his side an early advantage. However, Mongsenbai showed their championship pedigree, refusing to buckle under pressure. Their persistence paid off when Imshimong grabbed a crucial 36th-minute equalizer, ensuring the first half ended at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams pressing forward in search of the winner, but despite several promising attacks, neither side managed to break the deadlock. Extra time followed, but the deadlock remained, forcing the game into penalties.
With their second shootout triumph in a row, Dilong now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between Sangtemla Ward and Sungkomen Ward. Sangtemla, the 2023 champions, are eyeing their second title, while Dilong and Sungkomen are both chasing their maiden crown.
Semifinal Fixture
April 3: Sangtemla Vs
Sungkomen – 2:00 PM