Medziphema FC crowned champions of 9th Frolic Cup

The victorious Medziphema FC players after lifting the 9th Frolic Cup.

• DIMAPUR — Medziphema FC emerged as the champions of the 9th Frolic Cup after an emphatic 5-0 win over Khaibung Youth & Students Union (KYSU) in the final match held at the Medziphema local ground, on Friday.
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• Medziphema FC once again showcased dominance and resilience to lift the trophy on home turf, an update stated. The match began with early pressure from the KYSU players, whose aggressive attacks kept the MFC defence on high alert.
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• However, despite their pace and clever build-ups, the KYSU forwards were unable to break through as MFC defenders held their ground.

Also read: Khaibung Youth & Students Union, Medziphema FC reach Frolic Cup final

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• The breakthrough for MFC came in the 26th minute when a miscalculated back pass by KYSU was swiftly intercepted by Kanumdi, who made no mistake in slotting the ball into the net. Just a minute later, Sentilong unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box, doubling the lead and shifting the momentum firmly in MFC’s favour.
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• In the second half, MFC forwards kept pressuring KYSU's defence with swift, pinpoint passes, which paid off as Kanumdi struck again in the 60th minute, tapping in a rebound following a powerful attempt by Manton.
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• Manton then added his name to the scoresheet in the 63rd minute, before Kakhevi sealed the game with a fifth goal in the 69th minute.
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• Despite the heavy scoreline, KYSU fought bravely, launching several attacks, but they were unable to capitalise on key opportunities.
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• At the end of regulation time, the scoreboard read 5-0 in favour of MFC.
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• Individual prizes
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• 1. Best Midfielder - Paotinsat (Khaibung Youth & Students Union)
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• 2. Best Defender - Hehen (Medziphema FC)
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• 3. Best Goal Keeper - Keviseyie Vasa (United Falcon Club)
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• 4. Top Scorer - Kanumdi (Medziphema FC)
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• 5. Player of the Tournament - Kanumdi (Medziphema FC)
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• The closing ceremony was attended by Mughato Aye, vice-president of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), as the guest of honour. In his address, Aye praised the players' spirit and the successful conduct of the tournament.
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• He highlighted Nagaland's shifting football landscape, pointing to the recent Nagaland Super League (NSL) as a sign that the sport is entering a new era demanding greater seriousness and discipline.
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• Highlighting the significant contribution of Medziphema district to state football, the NFA vice-president however noted that despite producing the highest number of players in the recent NSL, Medziphema town still lacks a proper football ground.
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• He urged community leaders, elders, and landowners to consider allocating land that meets the official requirements for the future of sports in the district.
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• Vitoto Kuotsu, president of the Chümoukedima District Football Association, attended the finals as the chief patron.