Sungkomen storm into MIFT quarters with 11-0 demolition of Salangtem

MOKOKCHUNG — Sungkomen defeated Salangtem 11-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals as Pool D leader in the ongoing 5th Mokokchung Interward Football Tournament (MIFT) at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday.

Sungkomen surged with offensive prowess from the opening whistle to the final moments, creating a thrilling spectacle of goal-scoring. Salangtem has been eliminated from the tournament following two consecutive losses.

Tarepnungsang transformed into a goal-scoring machine at halftime, scoring six goals for Sungkomen in the second, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, and 27th minutes, completing a double hat-trick, and Tangmong added a goal in the 29th minute to secure a 7-0 lead.

Sungkomen continued to dominate the game in the second half, scoring four more goals, two from Tangmong in the 41st and 53rd minutes to complete his hat trick, and Tarepnungsang in the 43rd minute. Skipper Aotoshi also scored in the 50th minute of the game, making the final score 11-0. Sungkomen will face Tongdentsuyong in the quarter-final on March 19.

Arkong emerged as the leader of Pool B by defeating Majakong 3-1. Majakong managed to score a goal in the final minutes, but Arkong’s three-goal lead in the second half secured their place in the quarter-finals.

Bendangtoshi scored twice in the second half, opening the scoring for Arkong two minutes into the latter half and doubling the score in the 42nd minute. Noklemsunep secured Arkong’s victory with a third goal in the 50th minute. Majakong managed a consolation goal, scored by Nukshimongba in the 56th minute.

Despite collecting one point each in Pool B, Majakong advanced to the quarterfinals with an aggregate GF-3 (Goal For) against Penli’s GF-2.

Arkong will face Alempang from Pool A in the quarter-final on March 19, while Majakong will face Artang, the Pool A leader, on March 18. Mongsenbai leads Pool C after defeating Kumlong 3-1 in their last league match and advancing to the quarter-finals.

In an exciting game, Kumlong broke the deadlock in the 11th minute through Mefutiba, but Mongsenbai’s Shiponglepba struck twice, taking a 2-1 lead before the first half. Kumlong salvaged an equaliser in the 14th minute, adding another in the 28th minute.

Both sides had chances after the break, but Mongsenbai found a much-needed third goal when Imnatoshi converted seven minutes into the second half and sealed the fate of Kumlong 3-1. Mongsenbai will face defending champion Sangtemla on March 18 in the knockout stage.

Also read: MIFT 2024: Tongdentsuyong, Sungkomen, Artang register wins