MDFA Trophy 2023: Telonjem beat Moanungsang 2-1 to lift title

MOKOKCHUNG — Two extra-time strikes from substitute forward Seiminthang Haokip gave Telongjem a 2-1 win over Moanungsang MSC in the MDFA trophy final played in front of a capacity crowd at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Friday.

With the win, Telongjem have claimed their third consecutive title of the MDFA trophy.

Moanungsang MSC looked all set to clinch the trophy as they led 1-0 till the 90th minute. But Telongjem’s Haokip proved to be their nemesis as he scored a brace in the extra time to turn the tide in favour of Telongjem, sending the home fans wild.

Telongjem FC went on an attacking mode from the start and Robinson invaded the right flank of the rival’s D-box in the 5th minute with a volley but the ball hit the post and rebounded. Though Telongjem players dominated the rival’s pitch for many minutes, but failed to make any real threats.

In the 41st minute, Meyasemba opened the score for Moanungsang when he took advantage of a loose ball from Telongjem goalkeeper.

Telongjem’s defender misjudged the distance to pass a header to the goalkeeper, which slipped his hand and Meyasemba reacted swiftly to land a volley.

Nyithong Magh got a golden chance for the equalizer before the end of the first half, but unluckily the ball hit the post again.

In the second half, the Telongjem took control by bringing in two fresh strikers Seiminthang Haokip in the 65th minute and Haotinsem Kigpen in the 75th minute and launched aggressive attacks on Moanungsang.

However, at the end of 90th minute, the score stood at 0-1 in favour of Moanungsang. In the added six minutes extra time, Telongjem took advantage to reverse the course of the match. With the crowd raising their voices and cheering, Haokip sealed Telonjem’s victory with a brace in the 90+1 minute and 90+5 minute.

The champions Telongjem FC received a cheque of INR 2,00,000 from N Lohou Besii, Manager of Regional Business Office, SBI, while the runners-up, Moanungsang MSC, received a cheque of INR 1,00,000. Both the champions and runners-up were also awarded individual medals, a new introduction in the MDFA history.

Nungsängyanger was declared as the best goalkeeper (Super Seniors’ category); David Konyak (Konyak Students’ Union, Mokokchung) as top scorer with nine goals; Tongpongjongshi Jamir (Telongjem FC) as the best defender; Shilusosang (Sports Society Soyim) as the most promising player, and Meyasenba of Moanungsang MSC was named as the player of the tournament.

Imkong L Imchen, Advisor for Information & Public Relations, Soil and Water Conservation, was as the chief match patron.

Imchen, in his address, encouraged the players to aim for participation at the World Cup and international levels, going beyond district competitions.

Also read: Telongjem FC edge past KSR 1-0 to enter MDFA final