Eipa United Go Back-to-Back as M. Noke Wangnao Trophy Final Delivers a Thriller
Eipa United FC 2–2 Mavericks FC (5–4 on penalties)
18th M. Noke Wangnao Memorial Trophy 2026
If anyone wanted a quiet, straightforward final, the 18th M. Noke Wangnao Memorial Trophy 2026 clearly had other plans.
At the end of a dramatic final at Pangting Astro Turf Ground, Mon Village, Eipa United FC once again found a way to get their hands on the trophy — defeating Mavericks FC 5–4 on penalties after a pulsating 2–2 draw to retain the M. Noke Wangnao Memorial Trophy and secure back-to-back championships.
This was a final that had almost everything: early drama, a comeback, a late equaliser, pressure, penalties and, ultimately, another chapter in Eipa United’s growing story.
Mavericks Strike First
Mavericks FC wasted little time making their presence felt.
Pangteih opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving Mavericks an early advantage and putting Eipa United on the back foot.
But the champions were not about to surrender their crown without a fight.
Eipa United came roaring back after the break, with James finding the equaliser in the 62nd minute.
Ten minutes later, the momentum had completely shifted.
Arap struck in the 72nd minute, putting Eipa United 2–1 ahead and seemingly putting the defending champions on course for another trophy.
But Mavericks had one final punch left.
Pangteih Does It Again
With the clock running down and Eipa United seemingly within touching distance of victory, Pangteih produced another moment of brilliance.
The Mavericks forward found the net again in the 89th minute, completing his brace and dragging the final level at 2–2.
And just like that, the championship had to be decided from twelve yards.
Eipa United Hold Their Nerve
The penalty shootout delivered another dose of tension, but Eipa United kept their composure when it mattered most.
The champions eventually prevailed 5–4 on penalties, sealing another memorable triumph and ensuring the M. Noke Wangnao Memorial Trophy would remain in Eipa United’s hands for another year.
Back-to-back champions.
For Eipa United, this was more than just another trophy. It was confirmation that last year’s triumph was no one-off.
They came back in 2026, faced another serious challenge and once again finished the tournament as champions.
Individual Honours
The tournament also produced several standout individual performers.
Ariata of Eipa United FC was named Player of the Tournament, recognised for his influential performances throughout the competition.
Mavericks FC’s Pangteih finished as the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer with nine goals — an impressive tally capped by two goals in the final itself.
Meanwhile, Teihom of Mavericks FC was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
While Mavericks ultimately fell short in the shootout, their campaign was highlighted by outstanding individual performances, with Pangteih and Teihom both earning recognition among the tournament’s best.
Champions Again
Football finals are rarely about playing the perfect game. They are about surviving the moments that threaten to break you.
Eipa United did exactly that.
They conceded first. They fell behind. They went ahead. They were pegged back in the 89th minute. Then, when the entire championship came down to penalties, they held their nerve.
2–2 after 90 minutes.
5–4 on penalties.
Eipa United FC champions once again.
The 18th M. Noke Wangnao Memorial Trophy has its champions — and Eipa United have officially made this tournament their own.
2025. Champions.
2026. Champions.
Back-to-back.
The crown stays with Eipa United…
