The State Election Commissioner (SEC) of Nagaland, T John Longkumer on Tuesday graced the inaugural function of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2024 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
Longkumer said that he instinctively said yes to attend the MDFA inaugural function stating that the ground had many special memories of him as a child.
“I have an emotional attachment to the ground,” Longkumer said, adding, “This is where I first played football.”
He recalled how his grandfather, Imtisosang used to play for a Town Club which was further played by his father Assemwati and Rev I Atang which passed down to him where he played for the Rising Club team.
He also called upon the players to compete with both fairness and discipline, and urged the fans to maintain the ‘social harmony of Mokokchung Town.’ He expressed his gratitude to the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for honoring Dr. T. Ao by naming the All India Junior Women’s National Trophy after him.
Welcome address by the convener of the organizing committee, R Sunep Pongen, handing over of MDFA Trophy replica to Telongjem FC who won the last three consecutive tournaments, oath taking by participating teams, introduction of players, and ceremonial kick off were the other highlights of the opening ceremony.
Debutants Team Gilgal stun DEF with 6-1 victory; Sentisang scores four in MDFA Trophy opener
Team Gilgal made an explosive debut in the MDFA Trophy 2024 with a dominant 6-1 win against DEF, led by Sentisang, who scored an impressive haul in the first half. The match, held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, saw Gilgal take control early on, with Sentisang spearheading the attack, assisted brilliantly by Vinato Achumi, who played a pivotal role in creating scoring opportunities.
Sentisang, a Dimapur-based player, netted all four of his goals before halftime, making it a nightmare for DEF’s defense. Vinato (Jersey No. 5), also from Dimapur, was instrumental in the team’s offensive strategy, combining effectively with Kutu and Tajungsang. Hivika Zhimo’s defensive skill, coupled with his role in distributing the ball, kept the team well-organized throughout the match.
Gilgal extended their lead with goals from Ledenzung and Pange Konyak, completing their tally at six. Despite a lackluster performance, DEF managed to get on the scoresheet through a 45+1 minute goal by Toshikumzuk. While DEF showed some signs of recovery in the second half, their poor coordination and lack of effort in the first half sealed their fate.
Even though Gilgal scored 6 they could’ve scored more and DEF also had chances to claw back into the game but failed to take their opportunities.
Speaking to MT, Gilgal manager Aotongdang expressed confidence in the team’s future performance. “This is our first time participating in the MDFA Trophy. The team is sponsored by Chuchuyimlang village and we are the runners-up of Marsosang Trophy 2023 and winners of Mongsen Ait Longjang 2023. Most of our players are from Chuchuyimlang, but we also have nine players from outside who has always been part of the Gilgal team. Today’s performance gives us confidence that we will reach the final.”
Gilgal will next face Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club, another strong title contender and finalists in the last two editions of the tournament on 19 October.
Sentisang and Vinato Achumi on the win
Speaking about the massive win, Sentisang told MT that it was his first time playing in the MDFA, and that the four goals were thanks to his teammates. He also added that this has given them more motivation to prepare for the next match.
Vinato Achumi, who had been key to today’s performance, shared that it was his first time in the MDFA as well, though he has played in various Futsal tournaments in Mokokchung. He expressed confidence that after today’s achievement, if the team performs in this manner, they will win the tournament.
Both Sentisang and Achumi are from Dimapur; however, they mentioned they had always played for different clubs and never together until now.