Dimapur, Oct. 13 (EMN): Youth Association Marepkong became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2017 after beating SSS Yellow 4-2 in an exciting match at the first quarterfinal match here today at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Friday.
YA Marepkong and SSS Yellow, two of the toughest teams of the tournament, displayed their skill, stamina and grit to the fullest which was witnessed by thousands of football fans with Solesul Tholre (UDO, Mokokchung) as the match patron, officials from the district administration and police. In the first half, both the teams played equally strong concentrating on their midfield and striking force.
The few early minutes, Marepkong dominated the match as their midfield breached the defense lines and made some serious attempts at the goal.
But, the SSS Yellow team also made equal attempts and in the 26th minute, SSS Yellow midfielder Maongkaba (jersey No 17) scored a goal as the Marepkong team thought it was off-side; the linesman flag was not raised and the goal was scored easily. But the SSS Yellow’s celebration was short lived. Two minutes later,
Marepkong counterattacked, and as both teams rushed at the goalposts, Marepkong’s striker Mezebui Liangmei kicked a strong ball from inside D-Box and into the nets.
Thereafter, the SSS Yellow defense formation was in disarray. A Marepkong midfield made a perfect pass over the rushing goalie and Haotinlen Thomson (jersey No 22) made a perfect header into the goal in the 33rd minute.
A minute later, Keyiceleung (jersey No 10) chased a fast ball alone, the goalkeeper advanced, and he gently lifted the ball over the goalie and into the nets. SSS Yellow viciously counterattacked and made some off-target attempts; but in the 43rd minute, striker Moatemsu (jersey No 10) scored the second goal for SSS Yellow.
The first-half ended 3-2 with Marepkong leading the match. The second half witnessed a different game-play. Marepkong went on the defensive with a 4-4-2 formation, while the SSS Yellow went on the offensive. But as SSS Yellow concentrated on their midfield and strike, there were serious lapses on the defense line. In the 72nd minute, Keyiceleung of Marepkong breached the defense lines and scored the fourth goal for Marepkong thereby virtually sealing the outcome of the game. However, to their credit, SSS Yellow was unrelenting and fought hard till the end. Their midfield breached the strong defense lines and missed a couple of near goals – one deflected at the goal post and another free header. After the additional time to the 90 minutes play; YA Marepkong won the game 2-0.
Saturday’s match
2nd quarterfinal at 1p.m
Mongsenbai Youngsters vs Grand Elite’s
