Mokokchung, October 12 (MExN): A rejuvenated Dilong Youth Association (DYA) today defeated Youth Association Merepkong (YAM) 2-0 to book its berth in the quarterfinals of the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2016 being played here at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex. One of the strong contenders of the tournament, Dilong YA dominated the first half, but a determined YAM fought bravely to their credit, in what was the fourth pre-quarterfinals of the tournament. However, DYA’s persistence paid off in its fourth attempts on goal. Breaching the YAM defense lines, Inshalu (Jersey N. 9) headed in the ball beyond the keeper’s reach to give DYA the breakthrough in the 29th minute. The second half also started on the same note but saw a more vigorous counter-attack from the Merepkong team. However, the Dilong defense proved too strong. Play was also greatly hampered by the soggy ground condition. But Dilong’s star player, Inshalu rose to the occasion scoring the second goal in the 81st minute through a long range effort from just outside the 18-yard box (D-Box) which went right through the defence and entered the net; the goalkeeper with a diving effort but helpless in deflecting the ball away from the goal. With today’s win, Dilong YA has registered three straight wins and a berth in the quarter-finals. Hampered by inclement weather and compounded by heavy fog which reduced visibility to about two to three feet, the second match was forced to be called off after barely seventeen minutes of play. The game had started at the scheduled time, but the poor visibility compelled the referees and the officials to call of the game. The officials and the teams waited till 4 O’clock in the hope that the fog would lift; but it refused to clear. After some patient waiting, the MDFA Trophy 2016 organizing committee along with MDFA officials called a meeting with the team managers of the Hills XI FC and Socianian FC. After a thorough discussion, and keeping in view the approaching, it was mutually agreed to postpone the match to Wednesday, October 13, at 8:00 am. An agreement between the officials was appended by Kitansangba (Team manager – YAM ); Moasashi (Team manager – Socianian FC); Supongwati (MDFA Trophy 2016, Tournament Secretary) and Lanunukshi (Referee Inspector). The Mokokchung District Football Association also released a press statement through its Secretary, Imkongsunep Kichu and MDFA Trophy 2016 Organizing Committee, Convener Aodangnok about the circumstances that led to the postponement of the fourth pre-quarter match to the next day. In the statement, the two signatories disclosed that the postponement has been necessitated due to the inclement weather condition, which was compounded by foggy condition at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex. “It was decided that in the interest of the tournament, the fourth pre-quarter match be postponed to the next day, that is, 13th October, 2016. The postponed match will kick-off at 8 AM, and the scheduled fifth and sixth match of the tournament will commence as scheduled,” the statement read. In this regard, the two signatories stated that the “the postponed 4th pre-quarter match can be witnessed by those who bought the tickets on Tuesday. However, there will be fresh tickets for the 5th and 6th pre-quarter matches which were officially scheduled for Wednesday, October 13, 2016. From 11:00 AM.” In this connection, the MDFA and the Organizing committee of the MDFA Trophy 2016 appealed the football lovers, the teams and citizens of Mokokchung to bear with the MDFA since the postponement was due to unavoidable circumstances. October 13 matches Hills XI FC vs Socianian FC (8:00 AM) Elation SA vs Mongsenbai YSC (11:00 AM) Shitilong SA vs Tepenjem Rogo Mkg
