Day 3 of the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2025 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on October 16 witnessed two exciting encounters as Chargers FC and Team Gilgal registers win in their respective matches.
In the first match of the day, Chargers FC defeated Sangpang Riju SC with a convincing 2–0 win. Both goals came from Longkhoi (Jersey No. 7), who scored once in each half—first in the 7th minute through a penalty and then sealing the victory with another goal in the 65th minute.
The second match saw defending champion Konyak Students Union Mokokchung (KSUM) facing off against Team Gilgal. Despite a strong fightback, KSUM went down 1–3 to Team Gilgal.
Team Gilgal took a 2–0 lead in the first half with goals from Kakhevi Assumi (Jersey No. 9) in the 7th minute and Sentilong (Jersey No. 20) in the 29th minute. KSUM’s Leagin (Jersey No. 8) pulled one back in the 45th minute, reducing the deficit early in the second half. However, Team Gilgal’s J. Dhale (Jersey No. 7) struck again in the 42nd minute, extending the lead and ultimately sealing the win for his team side.
Having earlier lost their first and inaugural match to Soyim Sports Society (SSS), this was KSUM’s second league fixture from Pool A, where they once again fell short. With two consecutive defeats in a group of three teams, the defending champions are now out of contention for the next round of the tournament, bringing an end to their title defence.
Chargers FC Team Line-up and Profile
Chargers FC, guided by Coach Tongpangkokba, a senior and one of the finest midfielders during his playing era, fields a balanced squad blending experience and young talent. Supongnenba (Jersey No. 22) serves as the team’s goalkeeper, an upcoming young keeper from Tuli. The defensive line is anchored by Yangersosang (15), who captained Mongsenbai Ward to an Inter-Ward victory and previously represented Mokokchung in the Dr. T. Ao Trophy; Inovi (29) from Arkong Ward, captain of Arkong Ward’s 2024 Inter-Ward winning team, who also played for Exodus FC, Uttarakhand, winning the Super League (2017) and representing the club in the North-East Tamchung Trophy in Delhi, besides featuring in Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025; Temjenwapang (4) from Longkhum Village, a three-time MDFA champion (2019, 2022, 2023) under Telongjem FC, and a Dr. T. Ao player (2024, 2025); Alemongba (2) from Changtongya Village, who played the NSF 2025 with Red Scars and Dr. T. Ao (2024, 2025); Moachang (17) from Dilong Ward, winner of Inter-Ward 2025 (Dilong) and a Dr. T. Ao (2025) participant; and Akumtoshi (3) from Artang Ward, who lifted the 2nd Edition Inter-Ward Trophy with Artang.
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In midfield, Temsuyanger (66) from Longkhum Village brings experience as a two-time Dr. T. Ao player and Inter-Ward 2025 (Dilong) champion. He is joined by Ilanger (12) from Sungratsu Village, winner of Dr. T. Ao Inter-State U-21 (2018), representative at All India SAI Dr. BC Roy Trophy (Chhattisgarh 2017), and former MDFA champion with Telongjem FC; Aripong (8) from Arkong Ward, part of Arkong’s 2024 Inter-Ward winning side; Limatongzuk (21) from Tuli Town, a promising youngster; Tongpangnokdang (9), the team captain from Artang Ward, who represented Nagaland in the Subroto Cup (Delhi 2015) and participated in Dr. T. Ao (2022, 2024, 2025); and Ayimnekshi (13) from Arkong Ward, a Dr. T. Ao (2025) player and Inter-Ward 2024 (Arkong) champion.
The attacking line (forward) features Osen (10) from Ungma Village, winner of Dr. T. Ao and MDFA 2018 (Zonipang SA), who has represented SSA Mokokchung for over ten years; Imnatoshi (18) from Mongsenbai Ward, a former Dr. T. Ao player and Inter-Ward (Mongsenbai) winner; Takotuba (16) from Dilong Ward, who featured in NSF 2025 (Red Scars), Inter-Ward 2025 (Dilong), and Dr. T. Ao (2025); Imlisanen (11) from Marepkong Ward, a promising young forward; Kumsangtuba (19) from Chuchuyimpang Village, an 18-year-old emerging player; Lipoksangba (17) from Sungkomen Ward, another talented young forward; and Longkhoi (7) from Noklak Town, who represented Nagaland in the Santosh Trophy (2019) and played in Dr. T. Ao for Tuensang and Noklak for four consecutive years.
Sangpang Riju Sporting Club, a team based in Chuchuyimpang, is composed mainly of local and young players from in and around the area, bringing together homegrown talent with a shared passion for the game.
The team lineup includes Imsutoshi (Jersey No. 20), Myjoi (3), Nokdang (19), Itika (8), Imtisungit (6), Tiakum (15), Tangmong (17), Hitelo (13), Jungshiwati (10), Wapangsunep (11), and Alemjungba (18), with Sentongmanen (9), Shankar (4), and Aojungba (12) as substitutes. The key players for the side are Myjoi (Jersey No. 3), who plays as a left defender, Yarnokdang (19), who anchors the defence as centre-back, and Wapangsunep (11), who operates from the right wing. Jungshiwati (10) has previously represented Mokokchung at the Dr. T. Ao Trophy, while Myjoi (3) has featured in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) for 27 United. Speaking about their match against Chargers FC, Team Manager Takamar Jamir said that the team displayed good spirit and determination but the overall performance was affected by weaknesses in the midfield and poor execution in the attacking third. He observed that the midfield struggled to maintain possession and create effective link-up play, which made it difficult to control the game’s tempo. Consequently, the forwards received limited service and had to rely mostly on long balls and counter-attacks. Although the strikers created several good opportunities, they failed to convert them into goals due to poor finishing and decision-making inside the box. He emphasized that coordination between the midfielders and strikers needs improvement to create clearer chances in future matches.
