The 6th Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2025 has hit the knockout phase, with the quarterfinal fixtures locked in after a dramatic final day of group-stage action at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday.
For the first time in this edition, the tournament saw matches end in a stalemate, as two fixtures finished in hard-fought 1-1 draws. Group C contenders Tongdentsuyong and Kumlong shared the spoils, followed by another 1-1 result between Group D rivals Dilong and Sungkomen.
Earlier in the day, 2023 champions Sangtemla edged past Majakong in a crunch Group B decider. The only goal of the game came in the 11th minute, courtesy of R Achi, the tournament’s oldest player, who turned back the clock with a clinical finish. Both teams had already qualified for the quarterfinals after defeating defending champions Arkong prior to their encounter today. With only three teams in the group, their contest was about deciding the group winner after eliminating Arkong from the tournament. Following today’s result, Sangtemla topped the group and will face Group A runners-up and 2021 champions, Artang Ward, in the quarterfinals, while Majakong go up against Mongsenbai, the Group A toppers.
Meanwhile, in Group C, Kumlong drew first blood through Fobang in the 33rd minute, only for Limatongzuk to pull Tongdentsuyong level in the 49th. Both teams finished on four points, but Tongdentsuyong claimed the top spot on superior goal aggregate. They will now face Dilong in the quarterfinals, while Kumlong take on Group D winners Sungkomen.
The Group D showdown between Dilong and Sungkomen also ended in a 1-1 deadlock, but Sungkomen’s earlier 4-1 triumph over Lijaba Lijen—powered by a stunning four-goal haul from Tarepnungsang—ensured they topped the group. Lipoksungba struck first for Sungkomen in the 40th minute, but Moakaba hit back just six minutes later to keep Dilong in the fight.
With the group-stage matches over, all eyes now turn to the knockouts, where the race for the championship truly begins. Will the former champions rise again, or will a new contender emerge?
The quarterfinals are set to deliver high-stakes.
