MDFA Trophy: Do-or-die duels mark the day

MOKOKCHUNG, OCTOBER 8: The last second round of league matches of the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2016 witnessed three spirited matches between six teams who were engaged in do-or-die games to make it to the pre-quarters (or the last sixteen) for the knock-out matches that will start from Tuesday next.
The first match played between Alempang Youth Association and Telongjem FC, ended 3-0 in favour of Telongjem FC. The match was evenly contested and the first half of the match ended in a draw. The second half also saw equal competition, however towards the end of the match, Telongjem FC defender, Nighatu found a perfect breach in the Alempang defense lines; Nighatu dribbled the ball past the Alempang defence lines and scored the first goal in the 50th minute. A rejuvenated Telongjem FC found another two goals through striker Ngul Goulal in the 61st and 64th minute respectively.
With today’s win, Telongjem FC have secured a berth in the last sixteen team (the pre-quarters) from the Group H pool.
In the second match, Mongsenbai Youngsterz FC defeated Monanungsang Memorial SC 2-1 in an exciting match. Moanungsang MSC came quite strong in the first half of the match. Though the first goal came in the 5th minute for Mongsenbai YFC through Yunaba, Moanungsang MSC equalized in the 21st minute through Jungshiwati through a perfect header after receiving a cross from his teammate.
The second half started, and within minutes of the referee whistle signalling the start, Sedevilie Kire of Mongsenbai YSC breached the defence line and scored the second and final goal for the MYSC in the 36th minute. Moanungsang MSC tried their best to equalize the goal but to no avail. At the end, Mongsenbai YSC secured their berth in ‘the last sixteen’ from Group A pool.
The last match of the day was the most spirited of all as Stardom United FC played against Mongolian United FC for a berth in the pre-quarter knockout matches in the Group B Pool. Both the teams played evenly, with vigour and with dedication.
It was a do or die match. The first half ended in a draw 1-1. The tempo was upped in the second half of the match as both the teams tried their best to triumph at the end. In the 36th minute, Mongolian United FC scored the second goal for the team through Bendangtoshi Jamir (it was his second goal since he scored his first goal for his team in the 6th minute).
However, the counter-attack by Stardom was vigorous and their relentless efforts were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Lipokyanger scored the equalizer.
The next few minutes played on, but as the final whistle was blown, the match ended in a draw 2-2. However, Stardom FC entered into the ‘last sixteen’ by gaining more points in the Group B as against Mongolian United FC.
The last round of the league matches will be played on Monday, October 10. And right after the leagues, the pre-quarter matches will commence.