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MOKOKCHUNG — Artang delivered an outstanding performance, defeating Marepkong 7-0 in the 5th Mokokchung Interward Football Tournament (MIFT), which began on Tuesday at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung.
Artang received a tangible reward two minutes into the game when a forward player was tackled inside the D-Box and won a penalty. Tongpangnokdang took the shot, giving Artang the lead.
With confidence, Artang delivered a brutal reality check to Marepkong, administering a severe thrashing in the first half alone. Alemjungba netted the second goal for Artang in the 8th minute, while Alemjungba and Temshi Imchen each contributed one, resulting in a 4-0 scoreline by halftime.
The second half proved to be a smooth journey for Artang but an unrelenting ordeal for Marepkong. Namang found the net in the 33rd minute, followed by Limatongzuk with a smooth finish in the 52nd minute. Alemjungba, a tormentor for Marepkong, secured another classy finish for a brace seven minutes later, bringing the match to a decisive conclusion with a scoreline of 7-0.
Alempang breathed a sigh of relief after securing a 1-1 draw against Yimyu in the second match. Nungsangkaba opened the scoring for Yimyu in the 9th minute, but Alempang managed to level the score when Chubatemsu equalised in the 26th minute. Both teams enjoyed equal possession dominance after the break but were unable to find a second goal.
Alempang and Yimyu battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their second encounter. Nungsangkaba struck first for Yimyu in the 9th minute, only for Alempang to swiftly respond through Chubatemsu's equaliser in the 26th minute. Despite both sides enjoying equal possession in the second half, neither could break the deadlock for a second goal.
Majakong was held to a 2-2 draw against Penli in their third match. Majakong took the lead early on, at 3:13, when Opangsunep found the back of the net, putting his team ahead 1-0. However, Penli responded fiercely and equalised through S. Lemsa in the 17th minute, levelling the score at 1-1.
Penli swiftly took the lead 2-1 just two minutes later, with S Lemsa adding a brace to his name, stunning their opponents.
Majakong, who initially held an advantage in the early stages of the game, struggled to maintain momentum in the later part, requiring a desperate second booking but were thwarted by Penli on multiple occasions. However, they managed to equalise when Opangsunep scored twice in the 48th minute, securing a 2-2 draw.
Mayangnungba, president of the NDPP Mokokchung region, was the guest of honour at the inaugural programme. In his address, Mayangnungba lauded the Marepkong Youth Association (MYA) for providing such a platform and organising the tournament.
He emphasised that football is a universally beloved sport, stressed that one's skills and character determine their performance on the field, and urged everyone to unite in the spirit of the game.
Further, he encouraged players to nurture their talent, develop their skills professionally, and take advantage of available facilities to excel in the game.
Takalong Pongen, president of MYA, administered the ceremonial oath for the tournament, which is scheduled to culminate on March 23.