Unbeaten Lekie Mtei FC emerged as the champion of the second edition of Peren District Football League (PDFL) 2024 with 19 points after the completion of the 7th round on Monday at New Jalukie Village football ground. The League was organised by Peren District Football Association (PDFA) in collaboration with New Jalukie Super League (NSL).
On the final day of the league round, Lekie Mtei defeated Kuki FC 2-1 securing 3 crucial points to clinch the league title, a press release stated.
In a highly contested match, resilient Lekie Mtei FC drew the first blood in the 21st minute when Sanyem Salem found the back of the net through a header from a brilliant corner taken by Zumzum. After the break, Kuki FC returned with their renewed spirit to find the equaliser which paid off when a free kick taken by Lamsanggin found the head of Lungouhao making it 1-1.
In a thrilling showdown, Lekie Mtei FC extended their lead at a time when the match was heading for a crucial juncture with rapid attacks from the opponent. Lekie Mtei’s Zumzum brilliant converted through a long pass by defender Haokhohen in the 79 minute.
“Khamlou Man of the Match” was awarded to Zumzum of Lekie Mtei FC.
In the first match on Monday, Jalukie Falcons FC beat Puiteing FC 3-1. Jalukie Falcons who stood second in the point table found their lead in the 20 minute when Khangkinwi converted through a brilliant cross which was misjudged by the keeper leading to a goal through a header.
Falcons doubled their lead through a corner taken by midfielder Khiuwang found an empty Jangminlen at the near post who placed a powerful header past the helpless goalkeeper.
Midfielder Ngaminminlun of the Falcons then extended their lead in the 36th minute when a clearance was intercepted by Kewilungsubo.
Solitary goal for Puiteing FC was scored by Kenumdi in the 78 minute when a brilliant lob pass from Wibonjibo cleared the offside trap. With the goal, Kenumdi became the highest scorer for PDFL season 2.0 with 8 goals.
The game witnessed some hard tackles which saw Puiteing players Kamedibo and Pungbabeung being cautioned.
Merensang Pongen of Jalukie Falcons FC was awarded the “Khamlou Man of the Macth”.
With the completion of the 7th round of league stage, all the eight clubs will now vie for PDFA Cup title which will be played on knock-out basis starting from Wednesday. The closing ceremony will unfold on September 7 after the final match of the PDFA Cup.
In the individual category, Player of the Season was bagged by Yhoto Lohe of Lekie Mtei FC; Best Goalkeeper by Ngamsibo of Benreu FC; Best Defender by Haokhohen Sitlhou of Lekie Mtei FC, Best Midfielder by Khiuwangbo Kaurinta of Jalukie Falcons FC, Highest Scorer by Kenumdi Siarau of Puiteing FC; Emerging player of the season by Ngamminlun of Jalukie Falcons FC; Best coach by Lavoriyi Theluo of Benreu FC; and Outstanding sportsmanship spirit award by Kingdom Stewards FC.
