In a pulsating semi-final at the 6th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament 2025, Dilong Ward secured a hard-fought victory over Mongsenbai Ward in a thrilling penalty shootout. The intense clash, played at the Mokokchung Sports Complex, saw both teams locked in a gripping 1-1 draw before Dilong Ward triumphed 5-4 in the shootout to book their place in the grand finale.
From the opening whistle, the match was a display of tactical brilliance, leaving no moment to catch a breath. Dilong Ward drew first blood in the 14th minute when their star forward, Takotuba (Jersey No. 10), skillfully placed a shot past the Mongsenbai goalkeeper. However, Mongsenbai Ward refused to back down, mounting a series of counterattacks that resulted in a breathtaking equalizer by Imshimong (Jersey No. 10) in the 36th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
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The second half was a test of endurance as both teams battled fiercely for the winning goal. Despite several close chances and heroic goalkeeping performances, neither side could break the deadlock, leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The high-stakes shootout had fans on the edge of their seats. Mongsenbai Ward converted four of their five spot-kicks, but Dilong Ward, displaying nerves of steel, converted all five to claim a dramatic 5-4 victory, sealing their ticket to the final.
With this victory, Dilong Ward marches into the highly anticipated final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final which will be played between Sangtemla and Sungkomen on April 3.
