Puiteing FC emerged as the champion of the first Peren District Football League (PDFL) 2022 organised by Peren District Football Association (PDFA) after defeating Benreu FC 3-1 with 18 points on Saturday at Jalukie ‘B’ village ground.
Jangminlen of Puiteing FC drew the first blood in the 17th minute which was doubled by Wibonjibou in the 23rd and 51st minute.
The lone goal for Benreu FC was scored by Digumpeung in the 50th minute.
Now, the top four teams Puiteing FC, Native Feathers, Barak FA and Lekie Mtei FC will vie for PDFA Cup champion’s title as the league matches came to a close on Saturday.
Puiteing FC.
The coach of Puiteing FC, Kadimbung Kamson, in a phone interview with Nagaland Tribune expressed his joy over his team standing on the top spot of the first PDFL.
He stated that this was his first time to coach the team as he had coached only the under-14 team for the district before. “All glory to God who [has] blessed us with the strength to play courageously and emerged victorious,” he said.
Kamson also gave appreciation of his players who he said had sacrificed much and had put their efforts to make the team a successful one. They got what they had expected, he added.
Kadimbung Kamson, coach of Puiteing FC.
He said one does not easily get the opportunity to be the champion as many good players compete for it and only the capable one deserves it.
“We achieved it because we as a team with one goal in mind played for it,” he said.
He further lauded the management team for guiding them and acknowledged the support from all the members and everyone around them.
Puiteing FC’s team captain, Emsolung Ndachung, mentioned that their inaugural match with Barack FC was the toughest match so far.
Remarking that Barack FC team was a very strong team, he said in the initial match their team suffered conditioning but adjusted themselves by winning the match.
Emsolung Ndachung, Puiteing FC team captain.
Ndachung said Puiteing FC was formed in 2005 and the name ‘Puiteing’ was named after his grandfather. With the aim to remember his grandfather’s name, the club came into being and still stands strong today – they have encountered and won many tournaments as a team.
“Our team’s collective efforts have made it a successful victory.”
The captain made special mention of his team key player Wibonzibo who is also the team’s top scorer with six goals in the tournament. Addressing Wibonzibo as “a young player”, Ndachung acknowledged Wibonzibo’s dedication towards the team right from the very first match.
“Not only one person scoring the goals but the fruit of everyone’s contribution scoring the goals sums up the overall Champion,” noted the captain of Puiteing FC.
Highlights of the other matches on Saturday:
Lekie Mtei FC upset Barak FA 3-2 to qualify for the top four.
The match between the two teams was thrilling and it was a neck-to-neck match as Barak FA fought to top the table eyeing to clinch the PDFL title while Lekie Mtei FC gave their best to book their top four berth for the PDFA cup title clash.
Lekie Mtei FC which appeared to be the black horse had surprised top contender Barak FA as Lekie Mtei dominated the entire match.
In the 23th minute, Kenumdi of Barak opened its account. Rejuvenated Lekie Mtei came back for the equaliser in the 47th minute through the boots of Poulinlung.
Lekie Mtei FC (black and white) and Barak FA (orange and white) during the match. (Credit: PDFA)
Barak FA came back to score in the 58th minute through Dihube. However, it was equalised by Haileuyibe of Lekie Mtei in the 63rd minute. The deciding goal came again for Lekie Mtei as Haileuyibe added another goal in the 65th minute which was enough to seal the deal.
The hope for Prime FC, who sat on the fifth spot to secure their top four spot was derailed as the fourth place Lekie Mtei FC defeated second placed Barak FA to confirm their top four berth.
Despite their loss, Barak FA secured their berth in the top four – they stand on third spot 15 points behind Native Feathers.
Native Feathers stunned Northern Zeme Sports Association (NZSA) 7-2 and stands at second spot with 15 points.
The first goal was scored by NZSA’s Lungkiesing in the 10th minute. However, it was equalised by Lamsanggin of Native Feathers in the 29th minute.
Then Ngugoolal added another for Native Feathers in the 60th and 71st minute. Khiuwangbo scored in the 67th minute.
The second goal for NZSA was scored by Ziepwa in the 80th minute. The 6th goal for Native Feathers was scored by Kindibo in the 86th minute while the last goal came through the boots of Kiuwangbo in the 89th minute.
In the last match, Nsong Area Sports Association beat Prime FC 2-1, which was their first win of the league.
Match highlights were provided by Iliegongbe Miliang, PDFA media cell.
