Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) emerged as the champions of the MDFA Trophy 2024 after defeating defending champions Telongjem FC by a narrow 1-0 margin in a tense final at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on October 30. The victory marks KSUM’s first title win in the tournament’s history, ending Telongjem’s three-year dominance.
The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when KSUM’s Angki Konyak scored the only goal of the match. The forward found the net with a well-placed shot, capitalizing on a lapse in Telongjem’s defense. This early lead boosted KSUM’s confidence as they shifted focus to a solid defensive strategy for the remainder of the match.
Telongjem FC, known for their attacking style, struggled to break down KSUM’s disciplined defense. They managed to dominate possession and create a few chances, including a close attempt that hit the crossbar. However, KSUM’s defense, led by a resilient backline, successfully denied Telongjem any clear opportunities to level the score. The final whistle confirmed KSUM’s hard-fought 1-0 victory, sealing their maiden MDFA Trophy.
KSUM received three yellow cards, with cautions handed to L Ating Konyak, Pangteih Konyak, and Naohan Konyak.
The champions were awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 lakhs, certificates, and the tournament’s running trophy. Telongjem FC, as runners-up, received Rs 1 lakh, certificates, and the Late Nokzar Memorial running trophy.
Individual Awards:
Several players received individual accolades, each accompanied by a cash prize of Rs 3,000 and a citation:
1. Best Goalkeeper: Nungsangyanger (Super Seniors FC)
2. Best Defender: Temsuyanger (Zonipang FC)
3. Highest Goal Scorer: Japeth Kath (Telongjem FC) with a total of six goals.
4. Most Promising Player: Merangtemjen (MMSC)
5. Player of the Tournament: Menguzelie Rhutsa (Telongjem FC)
The MDFA Trophy 2024 final, held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, was attended by Tsuknungtemsu Lemtur, founder and CEO of Tribpix, who served as the Chief Guest.
The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) inaugurated this year’s tournament on October 15, under the theme “Fuelling Passion, Inspiring Dreams.” The opening ceremony was presided over by T. John Longkumer, IPS (Retd.), Nagaland’s State Election Commissioner, as the Chief Guest. Twelve teams competed in the tournament, organized into four pools of three teams each.
