Officials along with the players of Soyem Sangya Fc (blue) and Nyenshen Football Academy (aqua) after the final match of the 2nd TDFA League at the Loyem Astro-Turf Ground in Tuensang on July 11. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | July 11
Defending champions Soyem Sangya FC retained the 2nd Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA) League title after defeating Nyenshen Football Academy 4-3 in a thrilling final at the Loyem Astro-Turf Ground in Tuensang on July 11.
The league concluded with a closing ceremony attended by football enthusiasts, officials and invited guests. Assistant Mechanical Engineer, PWD (Mechanical), Tuensang, Er Nabum Tombou attended the programme as the special guest.
The ceremony was chaired by TDFA general secretary Taliba Sangtam. The invocation was delivered by Bin Child Education Director of Tuensang Town Baptist Lashong (TTBL), followed by a cultural performance by the Lomou Khel Youth Union.
TDFA Press and Media Secretary Moses Lachumong proposed the vote of thanks, while the benediction was pronounced by Rokuoselie Metha of Phingjang Baptist Church, Tuensang.
In the final, Soyem Sangya FC took the lead in the third minute through K Arap Konyak before S Ayenmongba doubled the advantage in the 10th minute.
Nyenshen Football Academy staged a quick comeback as Gaichuipou Pamei reduced the deficit in the 12th minute before Kelep Sangba equalised four minutes later.
Relitong Sangtam restored Soyem Sangya’s lead in the 26th minute to hand the defending champions a 3-2 advantage at half-time.
Nyenshen levelled the scores again in the 61st minute through Chongshen Mongba, but Ayenmongba struck his second goal of the match in the 85th minute to seal a 4-3 victory for Soyem Sangya.
The league featured 12 match days and 19 matches.
Soyem Sangya FC received the championship trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 80,000, medals and certificates. Runners-up Nyenshen Football Academy were awarded Rs 40,000 along with medals and certificates.
Among the individual awards, M Namang Sangba of Sonshang Football Academy was named Emerging Player (Under-20), while Yangkhumse of Nyenshen Football Academy received the Best Coach award.
Nyenshen goalkeeper C Changsomba Chang won the Golden Glove award, while Soyem Sangya FC’s Bapenyimjong was named the recipient of the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.
Soyem Sangya striker S Ayenmongba finished as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals to claim the Golden Boot award.
Mt Pongen Football Club received the Fair Play award for its discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
