Kuki FC, the champion of the second Peren District Football League and PDFA Cup 2024.
New Jalukie, September 7 (MExN): Kuki FC emerged as the champion of the second Peren District Football League (PDFL) and PDFA Cup 2024 after defeating Lekie Mtei FC in the final on September 7 at the New Jalukie village playground.
Kuki FC, who had previously lost to Lekie Mtei FC in the league round, came back stronger to avenge their defeat with a 3-0 victory.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, the final match before a packed crowd of around 8,000 spectators was a nail-biter, as the two teams competed fiercely to gain the upper hand.
Kuki FC first found the net in the 33rd minute through Lamsanggin.
Mtei FC, the league champion, fought back to find an equaliser but missed several chances.
With the crowd urging them on, Kuki FC pushed harder and doubled their lead in the 74th minute when Lamsanggin scored his second goal.
Kuki FC sealed the victory when Mangkholen found the back of the net by intercepting a cross inside the box amidst a melee of bodies during extra time.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mughato Sumi, Vice President of the Nagaland Football Association and President of the Dimapur District Football Association, as the special guest.
In his address, Sumi highlighted that Peren has produced the highest number of talented football players in Nagaland and commended the organizers for successfully hosting the league despite challenging ground conditions.
He also praised the PDFA’s efforts to promote the beautiful game in the district and urged elders and potential financial supporters to come forward and assist the PDFA.
Sumi emphasised the importance of consistency for professionalism and attributed the decline in football standards in the state to -ism, which has significantly impacted the quality of football.
The special guest was accompanied by members of the Western Sumi Sports Association, Western Sumi Students Union, and Dimapur District Football Association.
The highest fan award was won by Kuki FC, while the highest Instagram followers award went to Nchangram Lun FC.
The tournament was organised by the Peren District Football Association (PDFA) in collaboration with the New Jalukie Super League (NSL) from August 17 to September 7.
