MDFA Trophy 2024: Debutant Team Gilgal stun Zonipang SC in Quarterfinal thriller

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 22

In a dramatic showdown at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, debutant Team Gilgal ousted two-time champions Zonipang SC in the first quarterfinal of the MDFA Trophy 2024 with a 2-1 victory on October 22. The matchup saw Gilgal edge out their more experienced opponents to secure a place in the semifinals.

From the start, both teams displayed their attacking prowess, with close chances and near-misses. Zonipang and Gilgal each rattled the crossbar early in the first half, but it was Pangei Konyak of Team Gilgal who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a header, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Though Zonipang showed resilience, they adopted a more defensive approach, while Gilgal continued to push forward. Despite multiple attempts, neither side could convert, and the first half ended with Gilgal leading 1-0.

In the second half, the intensity only increased as both teams fought hard for control. Zonipang made efforts to equalize but were constantly outmatched by Gilgal’s dominant play. The physical nature of the game saw several players cautioned, with Gilgal receiving four yellow cards and Zonipang two, as tempers flared and the pressure mounted.

The match seemed destined to end 1-0 until stoppage time brought a flurry of action. In the 95th minute, Pangei Konyak once again found the back of the net, doubling Gilgal’s lead to 2-0. Zonipang responded immediately through Moachang, who scored in the 96th minute to give his side a glimmer of hope. Despite Zonipang’s desperate final attempts, they were unable to find an equalizer, and the final whistle sealed their exit from the tournament.

With their 2-1 victory, Team Gilgal advances to the semifinals, where they will face either NU Lumami or KSUM on October 26. The match patron of the first quarterfinal was Logubo NSU, Deputy SP (R) Mokokchung.

October 23 Fixture 
2st Quarter Final match
NU Lumami Vs KSUM 
(1:00 PM)