The second day of the 27th Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2025 featured two exciting matches at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on October 15.

In the first match, Telongjem FC dominated Super Seniors FC with a convincing 3–0 victory. Telongjem’s forward Singdoulien Khongsai (Jersey No. 10) led from the front, scoring twice in the 17th and 30th minutes, while Tarepnungsang (Jersey No. 9) added the third goal in the 34th minute. The first half ended after 35 minutes plus 2 minutes of added time.

In the second match, Thunderbolt FC defeated Nagaland University, Lumami 2–0. Shaomoi (Jersey No. 10) opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and Phopang Jolim (Jersey No. 17) sealed the victory with another goal in the 68th minute.

The lineups for tomorrow’s matches are set, with Chargers FC facing Sangpang FC at 1:00 PM, followed by KSUM taking on Team Gilgal at 2:30 PM. Both teams are expected to field their full squads.

Super Seniors FC mostly consists of players aged 35 and above, including several veterans such as R. Achi (10), Sentiyanger (13), Tsupongtsüba (16), Temjenmeren (7), Imlitangit (14), Pusato (18), and Nungsangyanger (Goalkeeper, 20), with Arennungsang (9) being the top scorer of the 35-plus MFL League 2025. Chuba Phom, a seasoned veteran, did not feature in today’s game, , and fans are eagerly anticipating his participation. Nyithung (21), a star and active player, along with Krevisou (8) and Sentisang (11), are also part of the lineup. Talilepa, the second GK (1) and several other players, including Limakumzuk (4), Iminukshi (2), Sarizungba (6), Menong (3), R. Anung (19), and Tiasunep (17), are also included in the squad, with fans looking forward to their performance in the forthcoming matches.

For Telongjem FC, Coach Tiakumzuk shared the lineup with Nagaland Tribune: Horlan P. Shimray (Goalkeeper, 1) and second goalkeeper Molungsungit (22); defenders Lipoksanen (13), an upcoming Ao player from Tuli who previously played for Longterok FC in the Nagaland Super League (NSL), Bongcheli M. Mongzar from Tuensang District (Dr T Ao Trophy player), Tsalichem (16) from Tuensang District (Dr T Ao Trophy player), and C. Nasetchingmak Chang (4) from Tuensang District (Dr T Ao Trophy player), Medempok Pongen (28) from Dilong Ward, Mokokchung, who played for the Interward Football Tournament 2025 champion team, Sujimong (2) from Tuli, who has played in the MDFA Trophy seven consecutive times, lifting four titles—two with Telongjem FC, one with Dilong Youth Association, and one with Zonipang FC. Bapenyimjong (15), former champion team captain Subroto Cup, Dr T Ao Trophy player from Tuensang District, played in the NSL for Nagaland United FC; Vitoho Kiho (5), an upcoming defender from Longterok FC.

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Midfielders include Kamsanglen (12), a midfield maestro from Kuki, Manipur, Letkholun Khongsai (7), also known as Lunaldo, described by the coach as “the shining armour of Telongjem FC for this year with a brilliant all-round midfield game,” Relitong Sangtam (8) from Tuensang District (Dr T Ao Trophy player), Lanusucha (14), a Class 9 student of Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School (MGHSS )and aspiring midfielder, and Sehgouhao Khongsai from Kuki, Manipur, whom the coach called a “small powerhouse who will run down every ball in midfield with a variety of ball distribution.” Strikers include Tarepnungsang (9), a top scorer in several Mokokchung Interward Football Tournaments and described as one of the district’s lethal strikers, Meyasenba (17), a proven Mokokchung District striker, Thejasetuo B. Qwirie (19), regarded as one of Nagaland’s best forwards, Noklensunep (11) from Tuli, Mokokchung, a winger for Longterok FC, and Singdoulien Khongsai (10) from Kuki, Manipur, as a forward.

NU, Lumami features university football players, including two from last year’s defending champion KSUM team, Lempha (8)and Shenpha (18) while Neilie Nagi (66), the most senior player in the team. NU, Lumami, as an institution, participates in the tournament upon invitation by the MDFA.

Thunderbolt FC is making its debut in this year’s tournament, bringing together players from various Naga tribes, including Konyak, Ao, Rengma and various others with a spirit of inclusiveness and teamwork. Most of the players are daily wage earners in Mokokchung who unite purely out of their passion for football.

Vesupra Kezo, NPS SP Mokokchung, who mentors Thunderbolt FC, told Nagaland Tribune that the players support themselves, with their jerseys sponsored by Tiakumzuk. “I assist them whenever required with logistics, training, and refreshments,” he said. “They are passionate football players, some of them students, while the majority are building their lives here in Mokokchung through the dignity of labour. They are hardworking, disciplined, and tough, and their biggest asset is their fitness and a never-give-up attitude—the essence of a good footballer.”