Champions Mongsenbai Ward pose with dignitaries and officials after clinching the title at the 7th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament 2026, held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on April 4.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 4
A clinical second-half performance led by Imnatoshi guided Mongsenbai Ward to a 2–0 victory over Sungkomen Ward in the final of the 7th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament (MIWFT) 2026 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday.
In a tightly contested encounter, both sides remained locked at 0–0 at halftime, matching each other in pace and discipline. Mongsenbai, however, faced an early concern when their goalkeeper picked up a foot injury before the break. Despite the setback, he continued between the posts without substitution, setting the tone for a resilient display in the second half.
The breakthrough came in the 69th minute through a well-worked team move. Ashish initiated the attack with a header to Yangersosang, who quickly set up Imnatoshi. The forward made no mistake, cutting past the defence and finishing from the edge of the box to give Mongsenbai the lead.
The match soon entered a tense phase following a challenge on Imnatoshi near the left flank, briefly disrupting play before order was restored. Mongsenbai’s task grew tougher when Suponglepba, already on a booking, received his second yellow card and was sent off, reducing his side to 10 men with over 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining.
Sungkomen pressed aggressively in search of an equaliser, pushing numbers forward and testing the Mongsenbai defence. However, Mongsenbai held firm despite the numerical disadvantage and their injured goalkeeper, absorbing pressure through a disciplined defensive effort.
As Sungkomen chased the game, Mongsenbai struck again on the counter. Imnatoshi capped off the performance with his second goal, weaving past multiple defenders and the goalkeeper before slotting home to seal the contest. With the brace, Imnatoshi finished the tournament with six goals, earning both the Highest Scorer and Player of the Tournament honours.
Mongsenbai Ward lifted the title along with a cash prize of ₹50,000, while runners-up Sungkomen Ward received ₹30,000.
The tournament was organised by Marepkong Youth Association under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) on the theme “Rise as One”. Rongsenshilu attended the final as Guest of Honour.
Individual Awards:
Highest Scorer: Imnatoshi (Mongsenbai) – 6 goals
Best Defender: Lanukaba (Mongsenbai)
Best Midfielder: Lipoksungba (Sungkomen)
Best Goalkeeper: Imkongtemsu (Artang)
Player of the Tournament: Imnatoshi (Mongsenbai).
In addition, six players were selected for trials to represent MDFA in the upcoming Dr T Ao Trophy 2026.
