NU Lumami captain Neilei (in blue) challenges Doyang Strikers’ defender Toka Achumi (in green) during their Day 5 match of the 27th MDFA Trophy 2025 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on October 18.
League stage concludes
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 18
The league stage of the 27th Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2025 concluded on Saturday at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, with Team Gilgal, Super Seniors FC, and Doyang Strikers Mokokchung emerging victorious on the final day of group matches.
In the opening fixture, Team Gilgal edged past Sports Society Soyim (SSS) in a decisive Pool A encounter that determined the group leader.
Merensang Pongen opened the scoring for Gilgal in the 14th minute, but Moatemsu equalized for SSS shortly after the break in the 44th minute. The parity was short-lived as Tongpang Jamir restored Gilgal’s lead just four minutes later, sealing a 2–1 victory.
With the win, Team Gilgal finished unbeaten at the top of Pool A, while SSS, despite the loss, advanced to the quarterfinals as runners-up.
In the second match, Super Seniors FC claimed a morale-boosting 2–0 victory over Intermingle Club.
Intermingle started strongly and were awarded a penalty early on, but forward Lanutemsu failed to convert. Their missed opportunities proved costly, as Nythung broke the deadlock for Super Seniors early in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
With Intermingle unable to recover, Temjenmeren added a second in the 66th minute, ensuring Super Seniors finished their campaign with three points.
The final league match saw Doyang Strikers Mokokchung continue their unbeaten run with a confident 3–1 win over Nagaland University Lumami (NU Lumami).
NU made a bright start, taking the lead in the 6th minute through captain Neilei, whose cross deflected in off the bar. But Doyang struck back quickly — Yami equalized in the 11th minute and doubled the lead in the 15th with a precise finish.
Before halftime, Eshong extended the advantage in the 34th minute from Toka Achumi’s assist. Despite NU’s late pressure and a disallowed goal for offside, Doyang held firm to complete the 3–1 win and top Pool C with two victories.
League Stage Analysis
With all league matches concluded, Team Gilgal, Telongjem FC, Doyang Strikers Mokokchung, and Chargers FC have emerged as the pool leaders heading into the knockout stage. SSS, Super Seniors FC, Thunderbolt FC, and Sangpang Riju progress as runners-up.
Team Gilgal and Doyang Strikers stand out as the tournament’s most in-form sides — Gilgal combining pace and precision, and Doyang showcasing experience and finishing prowess. Telongjem FC remain unbeaten and defensively solid, while Chargers FC’s balanced approach could make them a dark horse in the knockout rounds. On the other hand, Intermingle Club, Thunderbolt FC, NU Lumami, and the defending champions KSUM will reflect on missed chances and inconsistency.
Fixtures – Quarterfinals Day 1
October 20 (Monday)
12 PM: Team Gilgal vs Super Seniors FC
2 PM: Doyang Strikers, Mokokchung vs Sangpang Riju
