History was made at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex as debutant Doyang Strikers Mokokchung etched their name by defeating fellow debutant Chargers FC 2–1 to claim their maiden title at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
After a goalless first half, the intensity filled the air, as in the second, Yami Longvah (Jersey No. 11) broke the deadlock for Doyang Strikers in the 50th minute. A free kick from Doyang into the box was initially headed clear by a Chargers FC defender, but the rebound fell perfectly for Yami, who rose high to nod it back toward goal. The ball glanced off the crossbar, slipped past the goalkeeper’s outstretched gloves, and crossed the goal line. His teammate Horam (Jersey No. 10) extended the lead in the 75th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to make it 2–0.
Chargers FC, however, refused to go down without a fight. Substitute Illanger (Jersey No. 12), who replaced Temsuyanger (Jersey No. 66) in the 64th minute, produced a stunning left-footed strike from just inside the D-box area in the 81st minute, sending the ball flying directly into the net and narrowing the deficit to 2–1. Despite their late push, Doyang Strikers held firm to seal the 2–1 victory and lift the coveted trophy.
In the individual awards category, Yami Longvah of Doyang Strikers was adjudged Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Pangersunep bagged the Best Defender award. Horam of Doyang Strikers and Longkhoi of Chargers FC shared the Highest Scorer title with 5 goals each. Chargers FC’s Supongnenba was named Best Goalkeeper, and Tongpangnokdang received the Best Midfielder award.
Before the match began, both Doyang Strikers Mokokchung and Chargers FC disclosed to Nagaland Tribune that they would be playing in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming for a balance between attack and defense.
Doyang Strikers Mokokchung, on winning the coveted MDFA Trophy 2025, expressed their happiness and satisfaction. Captain Benrithung said, “Winning this trophy was our aim from the very beginning and our first match. It is like a dream come true for all our players and management.”
Midfielder Yami, who scored the first goal in the final and was also awarded Player of the Tournament, shared that it was his first time playing in Mokokchung and described the experience as memorable. He said that coming together as a team, with both players and officials, their shared dream was to win the trophy. “We focused on each match step by step, worked hard, and achieved the result today,” he said.
Captain Benrithung also reflected on the final, noting that it was the toughest match compared to the first game and the semifinals. He acknowledged Chargers FC, stating, “Throughout the match they played strong counter-attacks, giving their best and 100 percent.”
Chargers FC defender Yangersosang congratulated the champions, Doyang Strikers Mokokchung, for their victory and expressed hope that his team would come back stronger in the next edition, provided the management continues its support. He said the team gave their “hundred percent” and tried their best to score but luck was not on their side. Yangersosang also praised the opponents for their strong performance, noting that it was a good experience playing against state-level players. “We tried to mark their key players and push the game forward,” he added.
Tongpangnkodang, who was substituted by Aripong after sustaining an injury, shared that he had been carrying an earlier injury and had to be replaced shortly after the second half began. “Sitting at the dugout, I regretted not being able to play till the end for my team,” he said.
Substitute Takotuba, who came in for Imnatoshi in the 60th minute, said there was pressure on him after entering the game but he tried to create chances and score.
Meanwhile, Illanger, known for his late winning goal for his team in the semifinals, once again made an impact after coming on as a substitute, scoring a goal for Chargers FC to reduce the deficit. He expressed happiness at being able to contribute to the team’s performance and congratulated Doyang Strikers on their win. “It was a tough match, and the opponents played very well,” he said, adding that he was thankful to his coach for giving him a chance to play, even for a few minutes, and was glad to make the most of it.
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Tongpangkokba, coach of Chargers FC, who holds a D-level coaching certificate, expressed that his team dominated much of the match but luck did not favour them in the end. He stated that the formation and strategy they applied worked well, enabling the players to compete confidently against state-level footballers. Proud of his team’s performance as a debutant side, Tongpangkokba affirmed that Chargers FC will come back stronger in the next edition of the MDFA Trophy.
The second poster of the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2026 was unveiled today by Lanuchuba, DMC Councillor, President of Longtrok FC, and President of the NPF Youth Wing Dimapur Division, graced the closing ceremony of the 27th Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2025 as the Guest of Honour. The inaugural poster unveiling for the tournament was earlier held on October 10 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, followed by the first meeting of the organising committee.
Lanuchuba, in his address, he expressed that football is not just a sport but a platform that unites people, builds discipline, and inspires the youth to dream big. Acknowledging Metsubo Jamir as the brain behind Longterok FC, he lauded his vision of empowering young players through football. Highlighting the significance of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), Lanuchuba thanked Abu Metha for initiating the league, which has provided Naga youths with opportunities to grow and compete at higher levels. He urged players to remain humble, dedicated, and hardworking, emphasizing that true success comes through discipline and perseverance. Cautioning against tribalism and favouritism in sports, he called for unity among teams and players, stating that football should transcend tribal lines and stand as a symbol of collective strength. Encouraging the youth, he reminded them that “the field is your stage” and urged them to take every game as a lesson and every defeat as motivation. Reaffirming Longterok FC’s commitment to support local talents and collaborate with MDFA and the Nagaland Football Association, Lanuchuba envisioned making Mokokchung a model district of unity, discipline, and excellence in football.
The champions, Doyang Strikers Mokokchung, received ₹2,00,000 along with the MDFA running Trophy, while runners-up Chargers FC were awarded ₹1,00,000 and the Late Nokzar Ao Trophy. Semi-finalists Super Seniors FC and Telongjem FC received ₹25,000 each. Additionally, the individual awardeees received ₹5,000 each with citations. For the first time, all participating teams received an honorarium.
MDFA officials and the organizing committee acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of Doyang Strikers, MKG fans, Nentong Rogo Soyim Group, and Intermingle Club for cleaning the entire gallery and the surrounding area of the Imkongmeren Sports Complex after the final match.
