Rematch on Friday from 10 AM; fans can witness match with Thursday’s ticket
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 24
Inclement weather conditions forced the second semifinal match of the MDFA Trophy 2019 to be abandoned today. Tiamongba, the main referee officiating the match between Alempang YA and Telongjem FC, called off the match just 3.45 minutes after kickoff due to heavy fog and poor visibility. With conditions not improving, the organizers in consultation with the two teams decided to abandon the match and postpone the semifinal rematch to tomorrow. The rematch will begin from 10:00 am and today’s tickets would remain valid for tomorrow’s game, the organizers informed.
Both Alempang YA and Telongjem FC are playing in the MDFA for the fourth time after both teams debuted in 2016. However, Telongjem FC has a better record as this is their second semifinal berth in a row while Alempang YA have never moved past the group stages in their last three appearances. Telongjem FC lost to eventual champions Intermingle Club in the semifinal last year and were projected as outsiders to win the trophy this year when the lots were drawn before the tournament. Proving their mettle, Telongjem FC maintained a clean sheet in the group stages winning all four games without conceding any goal and overcoming two-time champions Moanungsang Memorial SC in the quarter finals.
Arguably the dark horse of the tournament, all of the Alempang YA players are from Alempang ward of Mokokchung town without any marquee player in their lineup, the only "purely local team" in the last four of the MDFA Trophy 2019. For Alempang YA, promoting the young talents in their neighbourhood is their primary objective although lifting the coveted MDFA Trophy would be a welcome achievement. Any avid follower of the MDFA Trophy 2019 would place the bet on Telongjem FC to win the semifinal but not being tipped as favourites to win the match could work in Alampang YA’s favour as they can play without any pressure.
Meanwhile, the closing ceremony of the MDFA Trophy 2019 on October 26 will be graced by Metsubo Jamir, Nagaland minister for Rural Development as chief patron. Some of Nagaland’s renowned singers are also tipped to perform at the closing ceremony that will begin 12:00 noon Saturday.
