In one of the most intense and evenly matched semifinal of the 27th Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2025, Chargers FC clinched a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Telongjem FC to book their place in the grand finale against Doyang Strikers Mokokchung. The match, played at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, was marked by disciplined defending, missed opportunities, and a dramatic late winner.
Both teams began the game with high intensity, matching each other’s pace and strategy.
Telongjem FC enjoyed better ball possession for most of the match, controlling play in midfield and looking for breakthrough while create openings. However, Chargers FC’s defense was determined, clearly standing firm to block their opponents, preventing through passes, and skillfully taking the ball out to the side whenever possible, denying Telongjem FC clear scoring chances despite sustained pressure.
Telongjem FC dominated phases of possession, while Chargers FC created threatening chances on the counter. The ball frequently swung from end to end, with both goalkeepers pulling off key saves to keep the score level. Despite a few close calls, the first half ended goalless.
The turning point of the match came late in the second half when Telongjem FC’s defender, Vitoho Kiho (5), was shown a yellow card for a foul on Chargers FC’s Imlisanen (11) near the edge of the penalty box in the 83rd minute. The referee awarded a free kick to Chargers FC, giving them a crucial opportunity to find a breakthrough. Substitute Illanger (12), who had replaced Imnatoshi (18) in the 81st minute, took the responsibility. Illanger (12), delivered a precise right-footed free kick that curled over the defensive wall and dipped into the top corner past the outstretched hands of Telongjem FC’s goalkeeper, Shimray in the 84th minute—just three minutes after coming on—giving Chargers FC the decisive lead and sparking jubilation among their players and supporters.
Telongjem FC launched a late offensive in search of an equalizer, but Chargers FC’s defense stood firm until the final whistle. With this crucial win, Chargers FC advanced to the finals of the 27th MDFA Trophy 2025, while Telongjem FC exited the tournament after a valiant campaign. The grand finale will see Chargers FC face Doyang Strikers Mokokchung on October 25.
The second semi-final match of the 27th MDFA Trophy 2025 played between Telongjem FC and Chargers FC featured Roko Angami, OSD (Sports), Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, graced the occasion as the Match Patron.
In his address, Roko Angami congratulated the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) for being selected to host the 25th anniversary of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy, which will be held in Mokokchung. He informed that three districts—Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Mokokchung—had proposed to host the event, and described it as a good decision by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) to select Mokokchung for the Silver Jubilee celebration. He remarked that Mokokchung holds a special place in Indian football history as the home district of Dr. T. Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain, and appealed to players from the district to rise to the occasion and produce another footballer of Dr. Ao’s stature.
Speaking as a senior football coach, Roko Angami shared his observation that when the Nagaland senior team participates in tournaments outside the state, there are very few players from the Ao and Angami communities. He noted that Kohima, being the capital, and Mokokchung, being the home of Dr. T. Ao, should ideally have stronger representation in the state team, but football participation from these two communities has been declining.
He further informed that Nagaland will host the Dr. T. Ao All India Girls (U-16) Football Tournament on November 18 at Chümoukedima, and that trials and coaching sessions are currently underway. However, he expressed concern that only one Ao girl had turned up and been selected from the trials, adding that he had hoped more would participate.
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Roko Angami remarked that Naga people love football but many prefer shortcuts instead of going through proper selection processes. He said that many players today show more interest in participating in smaller local clubs, possibly for match allowances or pocket money, rather than aspiring to represent the Nagaland team. He emphasized that representing the state team should be the first priority for any footballer, as it is the true stepping stone for progress in the sport.
He urged Naga players to change their habits, attitudes, and style of play, reminding them that football is a physical and competitive game that requires discipline and emotional control. He observed that sportsmanship spirit is often low and advised players not to get angry with opponents, teammates, or referees. He stressed that patience, hard work, extra effort, sacrifice, and discipline are essential qualities for success in football.
Roko Angami also encouraged players from the Ao community to be willing to step out of their hometowns to pursue opportunities elsewhere. He reminded them not to seek recognition only within their own communities but to discipline themselves and strive for broader success.
He further stated that football is not just a game for physical fitness but also a test of behaviour, eating habits, and discipline. He advised players not to participate in every tournament continuously, but to take proper rest when needed, emphasizing that rest is also an important part of an athlete’s development and performance.
