Kohima: Aphuyemi FC of Zunheboto district defended their title to emerge champions of the 5th Nagaland Futsal Club Championship 2026, defeating Team Aspirants FC of Kohima 5-3 in the final at Riga's Astro Turf, New Terogvunyu, Tseminyu, on Saturday.
The triumph marked Aphuyemi FC's third championship title, having previously won the second and fourth editions of the tournament.
With the victory, Aphuyemi FC lifted the championship trophy and pocketed a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The winners will go on to represent the state at the national championship scheduled next year.
Runners-up Team Aspirants FC received a cash prize of Rs 50,000. A total of 10 teams from across Nagaland participated in the tournament.
Earlier in the day, Team Aspirants FC booked their place in the final with a commanding 15-2 victory over TRS FC of Tuensang in the first semifinal.
In the second semifinal, defending champions Aphuyemi FC edged past SC Nagaland of Mon 4-3 in a closely fought contest to secure their berth in the title clash.
Tournament director Hethanglo Kath presented the tournament report. A special musical performance was delivered by Obed Kath of Divine Connection during the programme. Tseminyu Deputy Commissioner Japheth Woch also attended the closing ceremony.
The three-day championship, which began on June 18, was organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) with the Football Association Tseminyu District (FATD) serving as the host.
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