October 15 Quarterfinals Time: 1:30 PM OCYU Vs SSS
Mokokchung, October 14 (MExN): Defending champions Fusion FC struggled with first time entrant Arikodong Club in the last leg of the pre-quarterfinal matches of the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2016 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex here today. Fusion FC won the match through a tie-breaker 4-3. Arikodong Club proved a tough contender for the defending champions and the first half of the match was equally contested, if not, the Arikodong slightly edging Fusion FC in terms of performance. Arikodong missed some golden opportunities in the first half, and the same was so for Fusion FC in what was one of the most exciting first half matches of the tournament. The second half saw a rejuvenated Fusion FC, counter-attacking to book its berth in the quarterfinals. But the Arikodong defense was well prepared for the onslaught and the Arikodong goal-keeper in particular made some crucial saves. The last twenty minutes of the game witnessed some vigorous attack from Fusion FC; there were serious breaches in the Arikodong defense lines, and some spectacular saves by the Arikodong FC. But with the match ending in a goalless draw at the end of stipulated time, the match headed to a tie-breaker. In the penalty shoot-out, Fusion FC goalkeeper Limatoshi emerged a hero as he deflected a shot from Arikidong’s player to help the team win 4-3. The second and last match of the pre-quarter match (round of sixteen) between Telongjem FC and Grasshoppers ended 3-0 in favour of the former. The match was totally dominated by Telongjem FC and in what was more or less a one-sided match. The Grasshoppers played defensively while Telongjem FC, the dark horse of the trophy, decimating the Grasshoppers 3-0. Telongjem FC scored the first goal through Ghunaka (Jersey No 15) who scored the goal in the 30th minute. Barely ten minutes later, Ghunaka breached the weak defense lines of the Grasshoppers again double the lead in the 39th minute. The second half witnessed the same dominant display from Telongjem FC and a subdued Grasshoppers making no serious attempts on goal. Telongjem’s defender Kitho Kiho (Jersey No 18) scored the third goal to complete the rout. Saturday, October 15 will witness the first quarterfinal of the tournament between OCYU Vs Sports Society Suyim (SSS).