Defending champs Mokokchung enter final, to meet Kohima on Dec 1
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 29
Defending champions Mokokchung district entered the final of the 19th Dr T. Ao Inter District Football Championship overcoming Tuensang district by a solitary goal in the second semi final match played here at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur this afternoon. Both the teams were equally poised until Mokokchung’s striker Limakumzuk gave his team the much needed lead in the 71st minute to take them home. The defending champs will now take on Kohima district in the final on December 1 at the same venue.
With the first whistle, both the teams were out creating chances and kept the two goalkeepers busy till the final minute. Though, Mokokchung district had more of dominance in the first half with better possession, Tuensang district came back strong in the second half pushing for victory. Tuensang team has been labeled as the “giant killers” in this year’s tournament, and it looked like they were out to upset another trophy contender. Their (Tuensang) strategy to go defensive didn’t do them good as Mokokchung players took advantage to push forward their back four to take control of the game in the centre half.
Going by today’s performance, Mokokchung with some formidable and experienced players in its line-up displayed some brilliant individual performance to penetrate the Tuensang defence; however, Tuensang team with an energetic young squad, showed equal zeal and came very close in finding the nets on couple of occasions.
Though both the teams will equally regret for failing to capitalize the scoring chances they created throughout the allotted 80 minutes of play, the losing Tuensang team has themselves to blame more for the lackadaisical finishing touches. Except for two or three very crucial misses from the Mokokchung side, the attempt on goal has come more from the Tuensang side.
The match also witnessed two yellow cards both being awarded to Mokokchung players in the second half. Their left wing forward Osen was given the yellow card in the 48th minute, while their striker and goal scorer Limakumzuk was penalized in the 83rd minute during the additional time.
Though today being a Saturday, the turn-out of spectators was below expectation. As was seen, the stadium was not even half in attendance.
One attendance had this to say “Dimapur is yet to experience having a good crowd like Kohima where almost all the major tournaments are being held including NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy, Classic Cup and Royal Cup, etc.”
The final match between Kohima nd Mokokchung on December 1 will coincide with the Statehood Day celebration. It will be graced by Rtd Director General of Police and president Nagaland Veteran Football Association, K Kire as the chief guest.
The closing ceremony will begin at 1 pm, while the match will kick off at 1.30 in the afternoon.
This year’s champions will walk home with a cash award of Rs 3 lakhs along with trophy and citations, while the runners-up will receive Rs 2 lakhs along with trophy and citations.
For individual prizes, the organizers will also reward the top scorer, best player and best defence.
enter final, to meet Kohima on Dec 1
