Sports Society Soyim stun Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung 1–0 in MDFA Trophy opener

MOKOKCHUNG — Sports Society Soyim (SSS) pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset over defending champions Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) in the opening match of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Tuesday.

SSS’s defence held firm against KSUM’s continuous attacks, and Chubalemba’s 57th-minute goal secured the win.

The first half saw KSUM dominate possession and test the SSS backline. SSS had an early chance when their forward moved past the advancing KSUM keeper but hit the post. KSUM also struck the post later in the half, and the score remained goalless at halftime.

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KSUM’s midfield controlled much of the play, but SSS’s organised defence, led by a composed centre-back pairing, maintained the scoreline.

After the break, KSUM increased the pressure, launching several attacks. However, SSS scored in the 57th minute through a counterattack when Chubalemba finished calmly, giving his team the lead.

With 11 teams participating in this year’s tournament, SSS’s victory indicates a competitive field. KSUM, last season’s winners, will need to regroup quickly, having played the opener with only 11 players and no substitutes.

The inaugural guest, H Sethrongkyu Sangtam, MLA and advisor for Information Technology and Communication, Economic and Statistics, and Evaluation, declared the tournament open. He said the event is a celebration not only of competition but also of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the talents of Naga youths.

He commended the MDFA for promoting friendly competition and identifying sporting talent. He encouraged the players to improve their skills for higher-level competitions.

“Discover your talents and nurture them. I assure you that you will not only be participating at the district, state and national levels but in greater arenas at the international level," he advised the players, emphasising that nothing in life is free; every achievement and success has a cost, and the cost is simple: discipline, sincerity, and dedication.

He also advised the players to stay focused and avoid activities that could distract them from their goals. Sethrongkyu noted football’s unifying role, saying, “It’s not just a sport; it fosters inclusiveness and unity which is needed today amid our society’s challenges.”

Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) Mokokchung, Temsuchuba, also spoke at the event, noting that Mokokchung had long been a hub of football and had produced players who carried the community’s pride to higher levels.

He urged the players to embrace the values of teamwork, perseverance, humility in victory, and courage in defeat, and to remember that they represented their teammates, families, and district.

Addressing the organisers and coaches, he observed that their efforts were shaping the future of sports in Mokokchung and encouraged them to continue mentoring with integrity and fairness.

He further appealed to spectators and supporters to not only cheer but also extend moral and practical support to sustain local sports. He noted that sport was not merely about competition but also about building community, character, commitment, respect, and unity in diversity.