Kohima, August 29, 2026: Sechü Zubza FC completed a memorable double in dramatic fashion, overcoming Mez & Co 3–1 after extra time to lift the 1st Atuo Mezhür Sekhose Super League – Champions Cup 2026 at the IG Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday.
It was a final that had almost everything — an early lead, a first-half comeback, a tense second half, a red card and, ultimately, an extra-time finish that saw Sechü Zubza FC crowned Champions Cup winners.
Mez & Co made the brighter start and took the lead in the 19th minute when Nisede Peseyie found the back of the net to put his side 1–0 ahead.
But Sechü Zubza FC refused to let the deficit last into the break.
In the 35th minute, Kevisanyü Peseyie restored parity, bringing SZFC level at 1–1 and ensuring the two sides went into half-time on even terms.
The second half turned into a tense battle as both teams searched for the decisive breakthrough. Neither side could find it in regulation time, sending the final into an additional 30 minutes.
Mez & Co’s task became even tougher when Radovei Roshimai, already booked in the 61st minute, received a second yellow card in the 103rd minute and was sent off.
Playing with a numerical advantage, Sechü Zubza FC began to find more space and eventually made it count.
Kevisanyü Peseyie struck again in the 93rd minute, completing his brace and putting SZFC in front for the first time in the final.
Mez & Co were now chasing the game with 10 men, while Sechü Zubza FC pushed for the goal that would put the contest beyond doubt.
That moment arrived in the 116th minute.
Captain Kekhrieletuo Tsira found the net to make it 3–1, effectively sealing the Champions Cup and sparking celebrations from the Sechü Zubza camp.
The victory caps a superb tournament for Sechü Zubza FC.
SZFC had already finished the league stage at the summit with a perfect record before defeating Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation (TYO) 3–1 in the first semi-final. They have now gone one step further by completing the double — league champions and Champions Cup winners.
Disciplinary drama
The final also produced several disciplinary moments.
Mez & Co’s Kevizolie Kin was booked in the 50th minute, while Radovei Roshimai received his first yellow in the 61st before being shown a second yellow in the 103rd minute.
Menoneikho Nakhro was also booked in the 90+3rd minute.
Roshimai’s dismissal proved particularly costly as Mez & Co were forced to play the remainder of extra time with 10 men.
Officials
The final was officiated by Michael Dul as referee, with Medochülie Chütso and Kezevituo Vizo serving as Assistant Referees.
Vihetuo Chietsu was the Fourth Official, while Medozevi Punyü served as the Match Commissioner.
The tournament was organised by the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland.
The inaugural Atuo Mezhür Sekhose Super League – Champions Cup was held at the IG Stadium, Kohima, from August 12 to 29.
K Neibou Sekhose, President of the NFA and Executive Member of the AIFF, graced the closing ceremony as the Guest of Honour.
Tournament honours
1st Atuo Mezhür Sekhose Super League 2026
- League Champions: Sechü Zubza FC
- League Runners-up: Mez & Co
Champions Cup 2026
- Champions Cup Winners: Sechü Zubza FC
- Champions Cup Runners-up: Mez & Co
Individual Awards
- Golden Boot: Kevisanyü Peseyie — Sechü Zubza FC
- Golden Ball: Vinato Achumi — Mez & Co
- Golden Gloves: Ruokuovolie Phewhuo — Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation (TYO)
- Best Emerging Player: Aneizo M. Suokhrie — Sechü Zubza FC
- Fair Play Award: Vanguard Football Academy
For Sechü Zubza FC, the final whistle brought the perfect ending to a campaign in which they proved themselves the team to beat.
League champions. Champions Cup winners. A double secured in style.
