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Telongjem FC, champions of MDFA Trophy 2019, with chief patron Metsubo Jamir and MDFA officials after the closing ceremony at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 26 (EMN): Telongjem FC are the champions of MDFA Trophy 2019 after defeating Zonipang SC via a tie-breaker in the final game played at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday.
The score remained 0-0 in both regulation and extra time; in the resultant penalty shootout, Telongjem blanked Zonipang 3-0.
Telongjem goalkeeper Molungsungit was the hero after denying the penalty efforts of Menang and Suponglemba. Zonipang’s star striker Retso Mero missed the target.
The three repeated penalty misses ended Zonipang’s dream of lifting the MDFA Trophy for the third time. For Telongjem, who were the clear underdogs, it was a case of winning the trophy at the first instance of reaching the final.
Zonipang had won the trophy in 2011 and 2017.
This year’s final was reminiscent of the 2016 final encounter between Dilong YA and Fusion in which the former won on penalties after the score remained goalless in regulation as well as extra-time.
Played on a rain-soaked day, the wet field presented a major challenge to the players’ attempt to control the tempo of the match. Fans too braved the rain, some with umbrellas on the open gallery; and their support remained deafening throughout the game. In the first half of the match, Telongjem missed an excellent opportunity when their striker Kezhose Mathew was brought down inside the box and the referee awarded a penalty. The spot-kick was taken by the Telongjem skipper, only for the goalkeeper Mayanger to make an impressive save.
Suponglemba also came dangerously close to scoring but failed to capitalise on the chances. Awang also produced some fine passes but the Telongjem defence prove a tough nut to crack and the goalkeeper Molungsungit made a string of saves.
In the second half, Zonipang nearly broke the duck via a freekick but the goalkeeper made another fine save. In the dying minutes, Suponglemba missed from close range.
A fourteen-minute extra-time was announced. That too ended swiftly, and as the referee blew the final whistle, the match was headed for a tiebreaker.
The keeper’s heroics would script a jubilant end for Telongjem, even as it meant despair for the favourites, Zonipang.
The champions were awarded a cash prize of INR 2 lakh, plus certificates and a trophy. The runner-up, received a cash prize of INR 1 lakh and certificates.
Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development, was the chief patron of the closing ceremony. He was accompanied by Tongpang Ozukum, Minister for PWD.