Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 26 (EMN): Defending champions Telongjem FC have entered the final of the MDFA Trophy 2022 with a convincing 3-0 victory against Mongsenbai in the semifinal match at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Tuesday.
A soaked pitch and poor visibility played spoil sport time and again throughout the match but the rival teams endured to play out the decisive game for the final spot.
The game started on an equal footing and ball possession from both sides. However, the hopes of trophy contenders Mongsenbai were dashed after their goalkeeper Sashikumba was shown the red card ten minutes before the first half whistle.
Under heavy pressure from attacking rivals, Sashikumba decided to clear the ball outside the D-box, which resulted in a hand block and the referee gave him the marching orders.
Telongjem came out strong in the second half and after a few attacks, Pursunep opened the team’s account with a delicate free-kick in the 53rd minute. Four minutes later, Yhunshalo Kemp converted a penalty.
Nagaland’s U-17 Subroto Cup skipper Bapen Yimjong, who came into the match as a half-time substitute, also made his statement on the pitch.
He made a brilliant run outflanking the defenders and assisted in sending a right-footed cross deep into the box, which Imkongnungsang flawlessly slotted home at a close range in the 85th minute.
Mongsenbai put up a stiff resistance till the very end but their efforts were in vain as they down to ten players.
Telongjem FC will now face Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club to defend their championship title. The final match will commence from 1 pm on October 26 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, with Advisor, Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhoka, as the chief match patron.