Defending champions N Obang Memorial Football Team (MFT) extended their winning streak by clinching their third consecutive title at the 14th Marsosang Football Trophy 2025, defeating debutant
Merasen 3–1 in the final held at the Langpangkong Tsükong Government Higher Secondary School playground, Chuchuyimlang, on December 13. The biennial tournament, organised by the Rocky Club, was played from December 8 to 13.
Er Wapangingba M, Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), South Division Kohima, was present as the Special Guest at the closing ceremony. He was accorded a warm reception by the organizing committee and the gathered spectators.
The final began with both teams taking time to settle and apply their game plans. Merasen enjoyed more possession in the early stages and created a few clear chances through free kicks and throws but failed to convert. Against the run of play, N Obang Memorial Football Team (MFT) opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Rhitsho Mero (Jersey No. 9) found the net, giving his side a 1–0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw improved coordination from both teams, with play moving end to end and chances created at either end. After sustained pressure around the Merasen defensive area, N Obang MFT extended their lead as Eshong Konyak (Jersey No. 7) scored twice in quick succession in the 68th and 72nd minutes, taking advantage of defensive lapses. Merasen continued to press despite trailing 3–0 and pulled one back when a shot by Jersey No. 9 was parried by the goalkeeper, with Merangtemjen
(Jersey No. 8) converting the rebound. The match ended 3–1 in favour of N Obang MFT, who retained their title.
In the semifinals on December 12, Merasen defeated Team Saturday 2–0, with Temjenmoa scoring in the 5th minute and Toshimongba adding a late goal in the 86th minute. In the second semifinal, N
Obang Memorial Football Team and Morung Boys United FC were locked at 1–1 after regulation time, before the defending champions N Obang Memorial Football Team advanced with a 4–3 win in the tiebreaker.
The champions N Obang Memorial Football Team walked away with a cash prize of ₹1.5 lakh, along with the championship trophy, citations, and medals, while runners-up Merasen were awarded ₹1 lakh, the runners-up trophy, citations, and medals. The two losing semi-finalists: Morung Boys United FC and
Team Saturday received ₹10,000 each, along with citations. The Best Team Award went to Young Vision Club, which received a cash prize of ₹8,000 along with citations.
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Several individual awards were also presented. Imtisashi of N Obang MFT was named Best Goalkeeper,
Pangersunep of Morung Boys United FC was awarded the Best Defender, while Toshimongba of
Merasen was awarded the Best Player award. The Highest Goal Scorer award was achieved by two players: Yahok of Vision Sporting Club and Ngansang of Morung Boys United FC.
Addressing the gathering, Special Guest Wapangingba commended the organising committee for their consistent efforts in promoting football and youth engagement through the Marsosang Football Trophy.
He highlighted the importance of discipline, teamwork, dedication, hard work, and endurance, the players have put and encouraged them to view sports as a platform for personal growth.
He noted that the present generation is growing up in an increasingly connected world, a global Village where one’s talent and skill, when displayed in the best manner can gain wider recognition through content shared by spectators, photographers, and videographers on various social media platforms, as social media has become an important platform.
Congratulating all the players for reaching the 14th edition of the Marsosang Football Trophy, he said
“Its the skill and commitment you have shown throughout the tournament that got you in the finals.” He encouraged the players to continue pursuing football with the same passion and dedication, regardless of the match outcome.
The programme was compered by Imkongtemsu Jamir, with the invocation pronounced by Imti Asso, Pastor, CTBA. A special number was presented by Nokti Ozükum while Imkongtangit Jamir on behalf of the Marsosang Football Trophy Organizing Committee delivered the vote of thanks.
The Marsosang Football Tournament was first launched in 1994 by the family of late former MLA Tsukjemwati in honour of Marsosang, with the objective of promoting youth engagement through football. Since its inception, the tournament has been managed by Rocky Club with the continued support of the family.
This year, a total of 11 teams competed for the prestigious trophy. Now in its 31st year, the Marsosang
Football Tournament is regarded as the second-largest football tournament in Mokokchung after the MDFA Trophy. The participating teams were Tongpangsanger Club, Vision Sporting Club, Rocky Club,
Aroju Club, Team Saturday, Morung Boys United FC, Marsosang Sporting Club, Young Vision, Merasen,
United Brothers, and N. Obang MFT.Imsongmeren, NCS, Director of Nagaland State Lotteries, graced the inaugural programme as the special guest.
The prize distribution of the tournament comprised individual, team and match-based awards sponsored by various individuals and organisations. Individual awards, carrying a cash prize of ₹5,000 each, were instituted for Best Defender, sponsored by WALOK, MKG ; Best Goalkeeper, sponsored by
Sangyu Longkumer, Dimapur; Highest Goal Scorer, sponsored by Gilgal, Proprietor, Chuchuyimlang; and Best Player, sponsored by Bendangtoshi Kichu, Lead Bank Manager(Tuensang, Noklak & Shamator). The Best Team award, was sponsored by Lt Imtisunep family.
The semi-finalist teams received ₹10,000 each, sponsored by Maongyanger. JE RD Block Tsurangkong and Pongen Automobiles Hyundai and Mokokchung TVS. The runners-up team was awarded a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, sponsored by the Organizing Committee Convenor Nungsangtemsu, while the championship prize of ₹1,50,000 was sponsored by the Special Guest, Er Wapaningba, Executive Engineer.
