Players of CSA and SUTT before the exhibition match along with the match patron and match officials. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | September 12
The Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA) League play-offs kicked off Friday at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground with a high-scoring encounter that saw Tuensang Village Sports Foundation (TVSF) overpower Naga Brothers 9-4 in Qualifier 1 to secure a place in the final.
Naset led the charge for TVSF with a spectacular hat trick, finding the net in the 6th, 23rdand 81stminutes. He was later named Man of the Match for his decisive performance. Star performer Ayenmongba matched the momentum, scoring four times in the 18th, 42nd, 72ndand 78thminutes to widen the margin. Hopongchu and Bumat Sangle also contributed a goal each.
Despite the commanding lead, Naga Brothers put up a spirited fight with goals from Tsalichem, Chemrile, Beshang and Akum Sangtam. Their effort, however, was not enough to overturn TVSF’s attacking dominance.
With the win, TVSF booked a direct spot in the final. Naga Brothers will now face the winner of Saturday’s Eliminator 1 clash between Soyem Sangya and Auyang FC to keep their championship hopes alive.
The day began with an exhibition match between Chang Sports Association (CSA) and Sangtam Union Tuensang Town (SUTT), where CSA defeated SUTT 4-2 in an entertaining opener.
The match was graced by Er. Chingmak Chang, Executive Engineer of the Department of Water Resources and a former president of TDFA, who served as the day’s patron. In his address, Chingmak urged young players to embrace discipline and avoid unhealthy habits such as alcohol and tobacco consumption. He encouraged them to view football and other sports as avenues for opportunity and personal growth, stressing that dedication on the field could open doors beyond the district.
On Saturday, another exhibition match will be held ahead of the Eliminator 1 fixture, featuring the Chang Students’ Union Tuensang Town (CSUTT) against the Sangtam Students’ Union Tuensang Town (SSUTT). The day’s patron will be Chuingashan Chamroy, Chief Manager of State Bank of India, Tuensang branch.
The TDFA League play-offs feature the top four teams of the season: Tuensang Village Sports Foundation, Naga Brothers, Soyem Sangya and Auyang FC. The play-off format will determine who advances to the championship final, with the winner claiming district supremacy.
