MDFA Trophy 2019: Telongjem FC deny Zonipang SA third title

Sports

26th October 2019

A jubilant Telongjem FC players after being crowned the champions of the MDFA Trophy 2019. (Morung photo)

Three-time Champions and pre-tournament favourites Zonipang suffer heartbreak in tie-breaker

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 26

Telongjem FC lifted the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2019 here today after defeating Zonipang SA via tiebreakers 3-0 as the match remained in a goalless deadlock at the end of regulation time and extra-time.

Telongjem FC was first to take the shot which their defender Moasunep hammered in with a powerful shot that Zonipang goalie Mangyanger could do very little to stop.

In reply, Zonipang captain Menang was denied by the Telongjen goalie Molungsungit.

Next, Telongjem midfielder Sovami Shimprui missed his shot that gave Zonipang a breather. Retso Mero was next to take the spot kick for Zonipang but he completely missed the target as his shot went way above the frame.

Then, Telongjem midfielder Muleyi Medeo kept his cool under pressure and scored with a smooth finish. Zonipang’s leading goal scorer of the tournament Suponglemba was next up but Molungsungit denied him with a brilliant save and the scores remained 2-0 in favour of Telongjem after three shots each.

Telongjem was now one clean shot away from lifting their first MDFA trophy and their midfielder Pursunep stood up to the occasion and shot the ball past Mangyanger into the back of the net. That was the end of it and Telongjem FC became the new champions of MDFA, denying pre-tournament favourites Zonipang SA their third title.

The match was a thrilling climax to the near month-long tournament, both teams coming close to scoring goals on several occasions during regulation time.

Zonipang nearly got the breakthrough in the 16th minute when their corner kick taken by Awung was deflected by their striker which beat the Telongjem goalie but was cleared by the defender from the goalmouth. Telongjem also came close in the 22nd minute when they were awarded a penalty kick.

However, Zonipang goalie Mangyanger saved the spot-kick taken by Telongjem skipper Nyithong Mach. The match was interrupted in the second half when the referee was forced to suspend play owing to poor visibility.

‘Biggest revelation’

A capacity crowd turned up to witness the final match despite the inclement weather. It drizzled incessantly and the muddy pitch reduced the match to a contest of grit and stamina.

The players looked sluggish on most part as the water-logged muddy pitch did not allow them to play to their potential. There was very little exhibition of dribbling, pace and speed to entertain the spectators and most passes remained incomplete as the ball would get stuck in the sludge midway.

Lack of proper sports infrastructure, or at least a decent playground, was arguably the biggest revelation of the MDFA Trophy 2019.

This was the 25th edition of the MDFA Trophy and prior to Telongjem FC, 11 other different clubs have won the trophy.

The champions and the runners-up were awarded Rs.2 lakh and Rs.1 lakh respectively, along with certificates. Nagaland minister for Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir was the chief patron of the final match who was accompanied by Nagaland PWD Housing and Mechanical minister Tongpang Ozukum.

Artistes Renbeni Odyuo, Mengu Sukohrie and Yapangtula also enthralled the crowd with special performances.