DYA outguns defending champions Fusion FC to lift MDFA Trophy

Mokokchung, October 25 : Dilong Youth Association (DYA) today defeated two-time champions Fusion SC in a thrilling final match of the MDFA Trophy 2016 via a tie-breaker on Tuesday.

The defending champions Fusion SC was on high hopes to lift the trophy for the third time, however, the regular ninety minutes of the match ended in a goalless draw. The score remained 0-0 even after extra time.

In the first half of the match, both the teams failed to capitalise on the opportunities and ended a scoreless draw.

The second half of the match witnessed a vigorous match between the two finalists. The packed Imkongmeren Sports Complex was filled with supporters from both teams. The applause from both the team supporters was deafening as they made their attempts at the goal. But, as fate would have it, both the teams failed to score a single goal. A fifteen-minute extra-time was played. That too ended scoreless, and as the referee blew the final whistle, the match went to a tie-breaker.

Dilong Youth Association goalkeeper, who has been nicknamed as ‘Superman’ by the Dilong supporters, and who was adjudged as best goalkeeper in MDFA Trophy 2015, was expected to produce some magic this year too. Likewise, the DYA goalkeeper Nungsangyanger blocked the third kick by Fusion SC. The tempo was upped, but Fusion SC goalkeeper also manage to block the fifth shot by Dilong Youth Association, making the scoreline to 4-4. Another shot was given to Dilong which easily found the net. The next shot by Fusion SC went above the goal bar, thereby making the Dilong Youth Association as the ultimate champions of MDFA Trophy 2016 who won the match 5-4 through a tie breaker.

The Dilong Youth were awarded a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, along with the certificates and a trophy. The runner-up, Fusion SC were awarded a cash prize of Rs 60 thousand with certificates.

ADC of Mokokchung, Bendanglila, the chief guest at the final match of the tournament gave away the prizes. In her address, Bendanglila lauded the MDFA for its continued effort to host the event every year.

The ADC also asserted that sports are meant to be constructive activities. Asserting that the attitude of winning-at-all-cost approach takes the fun out of the game, she opined that integrity begins by learning to follow rules.

She also advised the players to avoid celebrating in such a way that shows disrespect to their opponent team and its players.

She said that sport is more than just winning and losing but they are just one of the activities for refining important social skills, for learning effective work habit and improving self-esteem.

List of individual prize winners:

1. Highest Goalscorer – a) Nyithang (Fusion FC) b) Inshalu, Dilong Youth Association (DYA)

2. Best disciplined team: Tepenjem Rogo
3. Most promising player – Meyasenba (Tepenjem Rogo)
4. Best defender – Bendangkumzuk (Fusion SC)
5. Best goalkeeper – Nungsangyanger (Dilong Youth Association)
6. Player of the tournament – Temjenmeren (Dilong Youth Association)