The early picture is beginning to take shape at the 18th M. Noke Wangnao Memorial Trophy, with the opening rounds already producing some clear contenders and some important questions for the teams still chasing their first points.
Five matches were played on Wednesday at the Pangting Astro Turf Ground in Mon, with Tehok FC emerging as the standout side of the day after another commanding performance in Pool C.
Tehok set the early standard
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, Tehok FC are making their intentions very clear.
The Pool C leaders produced another dominant display, defeating Medieval Knights FC 9-0 to make it two wins from two.
Tehok needed just three minutes to open the scoring, with Manyem finding the net before Tingkauchun Gangmei doubled the advantage a minute later.
Ayenmongba then took centre stage, scoring in the 14th and 20th minutes as Tehok continued to pull away.
Manyem added another before the break, giving Tehok a commanding advantage at half-time.
There was no let-up after the restart.
Ayenmongba completed his hat-trick in the 38th minute, Tingkauchun Gangmei added his second in the 45th, and Manyem completed his own hat-trick in the 48th minute.
The result leaves Tehok sitting firmly at the top of Pool C with six points from two matches, having scored 12 goals and conceded just one.
It is an early warning to everyone else in the competition.
Mavericks make their mark
Mavericks FC also produced an impressive result in Pool B, overcoming White Falcon FC 6-1.
White Falcon started brightly and took the lead through Yangto in the 12th minute.Mavericks, however, responded with authority and turned the match around with a six-goal performance.
Gaipulan Dangmei was central to the victory, while Pangteih and Abo also found the net as Mavericks moved onto three points.
The result puts Mavericks at the top of Pool B on goal difference, level on points with FC Mighty.
For White Falcon, it was a second defeat of the group stage and leaves them with plenty of ground to make up.
Langsa Hill open with a statement
Pool D also saw a strong opening performance from Langsa Hill Sporting Club, who defeated Naolen FC 5-1.
Robinson opened the scoring before Khampar added another to put Langsa Hill in control.Naolen pulled one back, but Langsa Hill refused to let the game slip, with Robinson scoring again before Gheque Chishi and Tingyen completed a convincing victory.
The three points put Langsa Hill at the top of Pool D on goal difference, although Town Club FC are level with them on points.
Town Club claim three points
Town Club FC also got their Pool D campaign off to a winning start, defeating Wangkhao Government College 3-1.
Penwang scored twice in the first half, in the 20th and 32nd minutes, before Apen added Town Club’s third in the 34th.
Wangkhao Government College responded through Wangom a minute later, but Town Club held their advantage through the remainder of the match.The result leaves Town Club on three points alongside Langsa Hill, setting up an intriguing battle at the top of Pool D.
Eipa United maintain their advantage
The opening game of the day produced a more evenly balanced contest as Eipa United and Town Boys’ FC Aboi played out a 1-1 draw.
Town Boys’ FC Aboi took the lead through Mughato in the 39th minute.Eipa United responded in the second half, with Eshong finding the equaliser in the 64th minute.
The point was enough for Eipa United to remain top of Pool A with four points from two matches.Town Boys’ FC Aboi, meanwhile, collected their first point of the tournament.
The groups are starting to separate
The latest results have given the competition its first real shape.Pool A: Eipa United lead with four points, followed by Town Boys’ FC Aboi on one, while Tizit Village remain without a point.
Pool B: Mavericks FC and FC Mighty are level on three points, with Mavericks currently ahead on goal difference. White Falcon FC remain without a point after two matches.
Pool C: Tehok FC have established a commanding position with six points from two games and a remarkable +11 goal difference. Hollong FC and Medieval Knights FC are yet to register a point.
Pool D: Langsa Hill Sporting Club and Town Club FC both have three points, while Wangkhao Government College and Naolen FC are still looking for their first points.
There is still a long way to go, but the early signs are beginning to emerge.Tehok FC have set the benchmark.
Now the rest of the field has to find a way to close the gap.
