Staff Reporter
Dimapur, December 1
Mokokchung emerged champions of Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football tournament with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Kohima at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur on Monday afternoon. A stunning hat-trick from Sakutemjen saw Mokokchung retain the champions’ title for the second consecutive times. They walked away with a cash prize of Rs.3 lakh while the runner up Kohima received Rs.2 lakh.
Mokokchung boys, who went into the match high on confidence after knocking out Dimapur 4-2 in quarter final and title contender Tuensang 1-0 in semi finals, had to face some tough time before restructuring and getting back into the game. And their excellent team work was rewarded in the 37th minute when Sakutemjen found the back of the net to give Mokokchung 1-0 lead.
Having taken the lead, Mokokchung boys did not sit back but continued to press in the opponents half. Four minutes later, Sakutemjen doubled the score with a right footer with a beautiful cross from Lipoksashi. Early in the game, Kohima managed to create a couple of chances and could have taken the lead but they failed to capitalize the opportunities that came their way. Blame it on the injuries for their lackluster performance but Kohima were far below their usual skills.
And with two goals down, the otherwise organized Kohima boys began to lose control of their position and despite several attempts; they failed to minimize the goal deficit. Thus Mokokchung went into the break with a two goal lead.
Entering the second half, Mokokchung were not relying on a two goal cushion as they continued to dominate the game looking for a third goal. They did create few chances but were not successful in front of goal. Then in the 53rd minute, Sakutemjen completed his hat-trick with a long ranger.
With the seconds ticking away, the boys from state capital were still fighting and hoping for a miraculous turnaround but Mokokchung boys stayed calm and composed without any silly mistake to ensure they didn't concede a goal until final whistle was blown.
Earlier, gracing the closing ceremony as the chief guest, Rtd. DGP of Nagaland and president of Nagaland Veteran Football Association K Kire lamented that no players from Nagaland has been selected in the ongoing Indian Super League. There are more than 20 players from north east in the ISL but not one players was selected from Nagaland said Kire. However with regular tournaments being organized, Kire expressed his hope that Nagaland will produce footballers who will represent the state in the ISL and even in the national and international levels.
