[caption id="attachment_277741" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Players of Alempang YA (in white jersey) and Kumlong SA vying for the ball during their MDFA Trophy match at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Thursday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 17 (EMN): Yashimeren’s clinical free kick in the last crucial minutes of the match against Kumlong SA on Thursday helped Alempang YA cruise to the quarter-final of the ongoing MDFA Trophy as Pool B chart toppers.
Alempang YA beat Kumlong SA 1-0 in their encounter at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Thursday.
The clash between Alempang and Kumlong was crucial as both were battling for top position in Pool B chart. The losing team will face the defending Champion Intermingle Club from Pool A in quarter-final. For Alempang a draw was enough but a goal made the difference, making them an impressive underdog in the tournament.
Both the teams failed to break the deadlocked in the first half despite relentless efforts. In the second half, Kumlong enjoyed more ball possession and resorted to attacking game but failed miserably as Alempang resisted tooth and nail.
In the stoppage time, Alempang’s right flanker Imkong was brought down near the edge of the box and a free-kick was awarded by the referee. Yashimeren converted it to a winning goal through a sensational shot in the 69th minute.
In the second match of the day, Hills XI defeated Mongolian Brothers 4-1. Temsuyanger scored all the four goals for Hills XI in the 27th, 30th, 54th and 56th minutes to seal the match for the team. The lone goal for Mongolian brothers was scored by Mugavi in the 34th minute.
Despite their impressive win on Thursday, Hills XI have failed to qualify for the quarter-final from Pool B after conceding a loss and two draws in their previous matches.
TODAY’S MATCHES
Super Vene United vs Marepkong YA at 12:00 pm
NUSU FT vs SSS Blue at 2:00 pm
