MDFA Trophy: Zonipang S/A see off SSS Yellow through a penalty shoot-out

[caption id="attachment_214264" align="aligncenter" width="565"] Goalkeeper of Zonipang S/A dives for the ball during the penalty shoot against SSS Yellow in the first semi-final match of MDFA Trophy, at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Wed. Oct. 24. (EM Images)[/caption] Our Correspondent Mokokchung, Oct. 24 (EMN): Defending Champion Zonipang S/A reached the finals of the MDFA Trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout on Wednesday afternoon. Zonipang qualified to the final stage with a penalty shoot-out win over SSS Yellow at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, prevailing 7-6 after the game ended 1-1 in its stipulated time. Goalkeeper Manyanger’s heroic save in the last moment send Zonipang with a ray of hope to defend their championship title this season too. SSS Yellow was actually just a minute away from winning it all after Toshiwapang scored the game’s first goal in the 19th minute. But Ketho Zhapo was able to score for the Zonipang in the 43rd minute, forcing the shootout. Zonipang, who were confident with their well-set-up team, was put in a critical spot when SSS Yellow midfielder Toshiwapang scored the first goal. A desperate counter attack was mobilised by Zonipang side, however, they failed to penetrate the SSS Yellow formidable defense shield. With time winding down in the last first half, Zonipang were awarded a free kick near the D-Box area which proved be a decisive opportunity for an equaliser. The shot was taken and Ketho Zhapo finished with a superb header. With equal ball position, the second half ended and the extra time also ended into a draw 1-1 ultimately proceeding for a penalty shoot-out ending in Zonipang favour. Bendangtoshi of SSS Yellow was awarded a yellow card during the match. Thursday’s match from 1:30 pm Intermingle Club vs Telongjem F/C