Chargers FC (in blue) and Telongjem FC (in black) in action during the second semifinal of the 27th MDFA Trophy 2025 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on October 23.
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Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 23
In one of the most tightly contested matches of the 27th Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2025, Chargers FC edged past 3 time champions, Telongjem FC with a dramatic late winner to book their place in the grand finale. The semifinal clash, held at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, ended 1–0 in favor of the young Chargers side, who will now face Doyang Strikers Mokokchung in the championship final on October 25.
The match lived up to its billing as a battle between two evenly matched sides. Both teams started with high intensity, exchanging spells of possession and creating close chances. Chargers FC looked the more enterprising side, frequently pushing the ball into Telongjem’s box, but were denied by disciplined defending and sharp goalkeeping.
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The first half ended goalless despite several promising moves from both sides. The second half maintained the same tempo, with neither team managing to break through, and the contest seemed to be heading for a penalty shootout.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 84th minute. Telongjem’s Vitho Kiho committed a foul just outside the penalty area, earning a yellow card and handing Chargers FC a crucial free kick.
Midfielder Illanger, who had been substituted in shortly before, stepped up to take it and curled a perfectly placed strike into the top corner — a moment of brilliance that proved decisive.
In the final minutes, Telongjem pressed hard for an equalizer, but the young Chargers’ defense stood resolute. Even the four minutes of added time weren’t enough for Telongjem to find a breakthrough, as the final whistle confirmed their elimination.
The victory marks a defining moment for Chargers FC, a youthful side comprising several players who represented Mokokchung in the Dr. T. Ao Trophy earlier this year. Their disciplined approach and tactical maturity have carried them all the way to the final, where they will face a formidable Doyang Strikers Mokokchung team on October 25.
