MDFA Trophy: Telongjem, Alempang through to semi-final

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 22 (EMN): Telongjem FC continued its winning streak in this tournament since its league round by defeating Moanungsang MSC 3-2 in the quarter-final match of the ongoing MDFA Trophy at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on October 22.

Telongjem FC will now face the unpredictable underdog Alempang YD in the semi-finals.

Starting the game with a 4-4-2 formation, Telongjem’s striker Zhezose Mathew scored the first goal in the 7th minute with a clean header from a closed range via a free-kick near the edge of the box. However, Moanungsang MSC levelled the scored 1-1 before the break through Inovi’s header in the 40th minute from a corner kick.

Both the teams displayed amazing spirit, continuing to reorganise and surged inside each other’s danger areas in the second half but persistent Telongjem increased the score line to 2-1 after Kakhevi Assumi converted a spot-kick into a goal in the 52nd minute.

Assumi once again scored a goal in the 72nd minutes by beating the opponents’ the defenders and out the team in a winning position. Midfielder Aripong brought some hope for Moanungsang by firing a goal from inside the box in the 84th minute but they couldn’t find a equaliser and conceded defeat.

In another thrilling game, Alempang YD booked their berth in the semi-final with an emphatic 3-1 win over the new entrant Super Vene in the second match of the day. The result was harsh on Super Vene who played superbly against an experience team.

Following a cagey start that involved both teams conceding possession at regular intervals, Yashimeren opened the account for Alempang through a crisp strike in the 21st minute. However, Super Vene clawed their way back into the game before the break by finding an equaliser in Suponglemba who scored in the 33rd minutes.

After the break, Alempang dismantled the Super Vene game when Lipoktoshi scored two goals in the 52nd and 65th minutes.

Alempang will now face the unbeaten Telongjem in the semi-final showdown on October 24.

On October 21, Zonipang SC entered the MDFA Trophy semi-final by beating SSS Yellow 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Zonipang will now face defending champion Intermingle Club in the semi-final.

In the second match of the day (Monday), Intermingle Club defeated Kumlong SC 6-0 to book a berth in semi-final. Opanglemzung scored in the 18th minute before Nungshimoa scored another one two minutes later. Opanglemzung fired home another goal in the 23rd minute.

Other players who scored in the Intermingle Club 6-0 win include Hanglen, who scored two goals, and Lanutoshi Longchar.

TODAY’S MATCH
 (1st semi-final)
Intermingle Club vs Zonipang SA at 1:00 pm