In the third Quarter Final match of the 5th Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2024, Arkong exhibited a dominant performance against Alempang with a 5-0 victory. The first half saw Arkong take control early on, securing a 3-0 lead by halftime. Aripong (Jersey no.8) opened the scoring for Arkong in the 11th minute, followed by goals from Tajungsang (Jersey no.10) in the 28th minute and Bendangtoshi (Jersey no.9) in the 35+2nd minute.
In the second half, Arkong continued their onslaught, with Noklensunep (Jersey no.11) netting twice in the 65th and 70+1st minutes to seal the victory for his team. Despite efforts from Alempang, they were unable to find the back of the net throughout the match, ending their stay in the tournament.
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Arkong made strategic substitutions throughout the game, including Talijungba, Kaliash, Mopa, Kapil, and Latonger. On the other side, Alempang brought in Temsulong and Wapongwati. Both teams received yellow cards, with Talitemsu of Arkong and Temjenrengba of Alempang cautioned in the 24th minute for their respective teams.
The match was officiated by Sashi as the main referee, assisted by Among and another assistant referee, with Tia serving as the Fourth Official.
In the fourth and last of the Quarter Final matches, Sungkomen secured a narrow victory over Tongdentsuyong with a final score of 2-1. Sungkomen dominated the first half, taking the lead with a goal from Tangmong (Jersey no.8) in the 31st minute, leading 1-0 at halftime. Despite a spirited effort from Tongdentsuyong, Sungkomen held on to their lead, with Tarepnungsang (Jersey no.7) adding another goal at the 51st minute. Tongdentsuyong managed to pull one back, with Opanglemzung (Jersey no.10) scoring in the 70th minute, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The match was officiated by Repa Ozukum as the main Referee, with Tia and Sashi Ozukum serving as Assistant Referees, and Achi as the Fourth Official. Both teams made strategic substitutions during the game, with Limasunep coming in for Phenlang for Sungkomen in the 69th minute, and Kimen replacing Wapongtemjen for Tongdentsuyong in the 53rd minute.
Yellow cards were issued to players from both teams. Lipoksunep, Kevi, and Nuito received cautions for Team A Sungkomen, while Yusangmenba and Supongkumba were cautioned for Tongdentsuyong.
With this victory, Sungkomen advanced to the semifinals to face Arkong on 21st March 2024, at 2:00 PM. Meanwhile, the first Semifinal match will witness Artang against Mongsenbai tomorrow on 20th March at 2:00 PM.
This year’s edition has seen strong contenders like Sungkomen still in the tournament, along with previous edition winners; Arkong, Artang, and Mongsenbai, while the defending champion Sangtemla has been eliminated. The question remains: which ward will emerge victorious and claim the title of the 5th edition winner? Will Sungkomen seize the opportunity?
