Mokokchung Inter-ward football tourney: Lijaba Lijen, Sangtemla win

Mokokchung, April 13 (EMN): Akumsangba and Rongsennungba gave Lijaba Lijen a 2-1 victory against Kumlong in the ongoing Inter-Ward Football Tournament 2023 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Thursday.

Kumlong made an early run by Medemshiba in the 3^rd minute but a steady Lijaba Lijen held strong with more aggressive and controlled possession but missed many golden chances in the first half.

Lijen continued its same aggressiveness while Kumlong was always in a run for counter-attack chances after the break.

Lijen finally found the equaliser in the 46^th minute thanks to Akumsangba and hit back 10 minutes later when Rongsennungba converted a penalty. It was a goal that Lijen needed to complete their celebrations.

Senior player R Achi finally made an impact as he inspired his Sangtemla team to victory over Tongdentsuyong in the second match 2-1.

It was a match of several twists and turns as Tongdentsuyong scored in the first half by Tarepnungsang in 35 seconds, breaking the previous record of Bendangsoba of Mongsenbai but Achi had other ideas up his sleeves to inspire and motivate his team.

His powerful strike in the 39^th  minute helped Sangtemla draw level and then 12 minutes later Lanuwapang converted a header to take the lead and eventually win the game.