MDFA: MMSC defeat Longpa Lomuden in penalty shootout to enter final

Our Correspondent

Mokokchung, Oct. 22 (EMN): Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club (MMSC) got the better of Longpa Lomuden 5-4 via tie-breaker in the first semifinal match of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) trophy 2022 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung on Saturday.

The lively and entertaining contest finished in a goalless draw and in the resultant penalty shootout, MMSC scored their first five attempts. Molutsupong, Temsutoshi, Limakumzuk, Imsumanen and Inovi Chishi made no mistake from the spot to secure MMSC a place in the finals.

MMSC dominated the first half, committing many offences in search of a leader, but a five-man Longpa defence proved impenetrable. Longpa Lomuden had a fantastic defensive attitude throughout the game, trouncing the fast-paced MMSC side and impressing the fans.

Starting the second half, Longpa Lomuden’s coach Imna’s incantation of “fast play” to his players appeared to have influenced them as the Longpa side went on to give a competition to the side making notable shots on target, but the likes of MMSC’s Molutsupong, Inovi Chishi, Limakumzuk, and captain Rongsennungba kept the Longpa side at bay.

The teams headed to the tiebreakers after a grueling 90-minute plus14 minutes extra time tussle in search of a final playoff spot and a score of 0-0. MMSC went on to win the match as Longpa Lomuden’s Bendangkumzuk missed his attempt on the fourth kick, ending the match 5-4.

With the victory, Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club will compete for the championship on October 26, facing the winner of the semifinal match between Mongsenbai FC and Telongjem FC, which will be contested on Monday, October 24.