Players of KSUM in white and black jerseys and SSS in black jerseys in action during the opening match of the 27th MDFA Trophy 2025 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on October 14.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 14
The 27th edition of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2025 kicked off on Tuesday at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, with defending champions Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) suffering a narrow 0–1 defeat to Sports Society Soyim (SSS) in the opening match.
The keenly contested match began with KSUM taking the first kick, but it was SSS who displayed early dominance, creating multiple chances as KSUM struggled to find their rhythm. Despite several attempts from both sides, the first half ended goalless.
After the break, KSUM looked more composed and began pressing forward, but their efforts were undone in the 57th minute, when Chubalemba of SSS broke through a slack KSUM defense and slipped the ball past the keeper to give his side the decisive lead.
KSUM pushed hard for an equalizer, coming close on a few occasions, including a near miss that appeared certain to go in. Even in added time, the defending champions launched repeated attacks inside the SSS box, but the resilient SSS backline held firm to secure the opening victory of the tournament.
The 2025 edition features 11 teams competing for the coveted title, with a total of 17 matches scheduled. The grand finale will be played on October 25.
The opening ceremony was graced by H. Sethrongkyu Sangtam, MLA and Advisor for Information Technology & Communication, Economics & Statistics, and Evaluation, Government of Nagaland, who declared the tournament open.
In his inaugural address, Sangtam commended the MDFA for organizing the tournament and urged young players to channel their talents with discipline and dedication. “We Nagas are naturally gifted with various potentials in sports,” he said, adding that refining one’s God-given abilities through sincerity and hard work can lead to success even at the international level.
He emphasized that football is not merely a sport but a powerful medium to promote unity and camaraderie. “It is not about whether you win or lose—what truly matters is the spirit in which you play, the respect you have for your opponents, and the teamwork you display,” Sangtam stated.
On Day 2, three-time consecutive champions Telongjem FC will face Super Seniors FC, a team of veteran players from Mokokchung, while newcomers Thunderbolt FC will take on Nagaland University Lumami, the institutional invitee team.
