Dimapur, Oct. 29 (EMN): Native Feathers clinched the Peren District Football Association (PDFA) Cup title of the first Peren District Football League (PDFL) 2022 after defeating Puiteing FC 4-3 in the final through a tie-breaker.
Organised by the PDFA, the month-long PDFL came to a close at Jalukie 'B' village ground.
Earlier, in the league round, Puiteing FC emerged as the winner of PDFL after which the top four teams of the league vied for the coveted PDFA Cup title.
Locking horns with the league champions Puiteing FC in the final match, Native Feathers delivered a dangerous attempt in the first 10 minute, where Ngulgoulal Khongsai of Native Feathers missed a good chance from inside the D-box area which went high off the crossbar. The spirited effort of Native Feathers paid off when Ngulgoulal Khongsai drew the first blood in the 20th minute from a rebound resulting in a slight mistake by Puiteing FC goalkeeper Langoulung. Leading with a goal, Native Feathers' continued to pull the trigger however, Khiuwangbo Kaurintah's long shot went over the crossbar. Fighting back, Puiteing FC's Haokhohen missed a goal with a powerful shot. Puiteing FC then missed another golden opportunity to find the equaliser in the additional time from inside the penalty area which was taken by Native Feathers' goalkeeper Ngamsi Dailiam with ease. Puiteing FC failed to open its account in the first half which ended 1-0.
After the stoppage time, Native Feathers came back stronger and dominated the game with several shots on target however, missed chances to double their lead. Khiuwangbo Kaurintah produced a perfect cross from zero angle giving a wonderful opportunity to convert it, however his teammate Khangkinwi's goal was disallowed due to handball. Continuing with their dominant effort, Khiuwangbo Kaurintah again produced a powerful long shot through a free kick which was beautifully saved by Puiteing FC goalkeeper.
Just before the stipulated time, Puiteing FC found the equaliser through a header by Kawijibo in the 86th minute from a beautiful assist from teammate Samuel. Both the teams failed to score the winning goal and ended 1-1 draw in the stipulated time.
Rejuvenated Puiteing FC, who lost track after the first half, came back in form in the extra added time trying to convert every opportunity they encountered but could not make any breakthrough. Both the teams could not score against the other even in the extra time, leading to a tie-breaker to decide the title winner.
The winner of the PDFA cup title Native Feathers walked home with a cash prize of INR 50,000 with trophy and certificates, the runner-up Puiteing FC received a cash amount of INR 30,000 with citations.
The individual awards of the first PDFL 2022 were Player of the tournament - Kenumdi Siarau of Barak FA received INR 5000 with trophy; Emerging Player - Wibonjibo of Puiteing FC received INR 3000 with trophy; Highest scorers - Haileuyibe Iranggau of Lekie Mtei FC and Kenumdi Siarau of Barak FA received INR 3000 each; Best midfielder - Lamsanggin Hangsing of Native Feathers received INR 3000; Best Defender - Salu Kulim of Puiteing FC received INR 3000, Best goalkeeper - Ngamsi Dailiam of Native Feathers also received INR 3000.
Earlier, PDFL champions Puiteing FC walked home with a cash prize INR 1 lakh.
The final match was attended by Executive Engineer PHED WSSO, Ichirang Zeliang as the guest of honour. Addressing the closing ceremony, the guest of honour lauded the PDFA for organising the historic first football league in the district to promote football.
As a football enthusiast, Ichirang called upon the football fans to continue supporting the football fraternity, an update stated.
He also exuded confidence that the league would grow in the near future and produce more professional footballers from the district.