Sungkomen and Artang Ward enter into the semifinals of the 7th Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament after registering quarterfinal victories over Penli and Marepkong, respectively.
In the first quarterfinal, Sungkomen secured a 3–0 win against Penli Ward. Tarepnungsang (7) opened the scoring in the 5th minute, Temsuyanger (23) added the second in the 60th minute, and Tarepnungsang struck again in stoppage time (90+2) to complete the win. Penli exited the tournament without scoring.
In the second quarterfinal, Marepkong faced Artang Ward. Marepkong took the lead just before halftime when captain Imlisanen (11) converted a penalty in the 45+1 minute.
Artang responded in the second half despite difficult, muddy ground conditions. Imtimayang (19) equalised in the 56th minute. Chubalemba (11) then put Artang ahead in the 71st minute, followed by Tongpangkokba (5) in the 73rd. Chubalemba added his second in the 86th minute to seal a 4–1 victory.
The remaining two quarterfinal matches will be played on March 31, with Sangtemla taking on Tongdentsuyong at 1 PM, followed by Arkong versus Mongsenbai at 3 PM.
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Defending champions Dilong Ward were eliminated in the league stage after losing all three of their matches. Alempang, Yimyu, Kumlong, Lijaba, Lijen and Majakong have also exited the tournament.
Arkong, the inaugural champions of the Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament in 2019 and two-time title winners, remain in contention and will face former champions Mongsenbai in the quarterfinals.
In terms of tournament history, Arkong won the maiden edition in 2019. Following a one-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Artang Ward claimed the 2nd edition title in 2021. Mongsenbai went on to win the 3rd edition in 2022, while Sangtemla lifted the 4th edition trophy in 2023. Arkong reclaimed the title in the 5th edition in 2024, and Dilong emerged as champions in the 6th edition in 2025.
This year, former champions Arkong, Artang, Mongsenbai and Sangtemla are still in the race, along with Tongdentsuyong and Sungkomen, who are also competing for the title. With Artang and Sungkomen already through to the semifinals, the remaining two semifinal spots will be decided between Sangtemla vs Tongdentsuyong and Arkong vs Mongsenbai. The winners of these fixtures will progress to the semifinals and compete for a place in the final.
