Mongsenbai Ward defeats Sungkomen Ward 2-0 to win the Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament 2026 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
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MOKOKCHUNG — Mongsenbai Ward claimed the title of champions at the Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament (MIWFT) 2026, defeating Sungkomen Ward 2-0 in the final at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung on March 4.
The first half ended goalless. Mongsenbai faced an early setback when their goalkeeper sustained a foot injury shortly before the interval and required treatment from a medical practitioner. He remained on the pitch, as no replacement was made.
The breakthrough came in the 69th minute. Ashish (10) headed the ball into the path of Yangersosang (15), who delivered a cross. Imnatoshi (19) moved past the Sungkomen defence and scored from the edge of the penalty area to give Mongsenbai a 1-0 lead.
Also read: Sungkomen cruise into Mokokchung Inter-Ward final with convincing 3–1 win over Artang
Following a foul near the left touchline involving Imnatoshi, Mongsenbai’s Suponglepba (3), already on a yellow card, picked up a second booking and was dismissed. This left his side with 10 players for the final 13 minutes of regulation time.
Despite the numerical disadvantage and the ongoing issue with their injured goalkeeper, Mongsenbai maintained their lead. Sungkomen pushed forward in the closing stages, which included 10 minutes of stoppage time, but could not score.
Imnatoshi scored his second goal in the final moments, moving past several defenders and the goalkeeper to seal a 2-0 victory.
The forward’s two goals took his tournament tally to six, earning him both the Highest Scorer and Player of the Tournament awards.
Mongsenbai received the winner’s prize of INR 50,000 along with citations, while runners-up Sungkomen Ward were presented with INR 30,000 and citations.
Rongsenshilu, guest of honour at the final, highlighted the importance of collective effort in football.
“While a striker’s goal often decides the outcome, the contributions of the assist provider, defenders and goalkeeper are equally crucial,” he said. “The scoreboard may show numbers, but the game is truly built on teamwork.”
He also appealed for unity within the Ao community and encouraged efforts to reclaim past sporting successes.
In the individual awards category, Imnatoshi of Mongsenbai won the Highest Scorer award with six goals and the Player of the Tournament title. Lanukaba of Mongsenbai was named Best Defender, while Lipoksungba of Sungkomen was adjudged Best Midfielder. Imkongtemsu of Artang received the Best Goalkeeper award.
Meanwhile, five players were selected for the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) trials ahead of the Dr. T Ao Trophy. The selected players are Lipoksungba and Lipoksunep of Sungkomen Ward, Lanukaba and Ashish Rai of Mongsenbai Ward, and Imkongtemsu of Artang.