Vanguard FC Old Boys lifts MPL 2026

KOHIMA, MAY 28 (NPN): Vanguard FC Old Boys emerged champions of the Morning Premier League (MPL) 2026 after the four-month-long tournament concluded on Thursday morning at IG Stadium, Kohima.
The league, organised under the aegis of the Morning Football Association (MFA), witnessed participation from 10 teams and also produced several new records during the 2026 season.
According to the season review, MPL 2026 recorded the highest number of goals scored in a single season with 579 goals as on May 27, 2026. The season also saw the highest number of red cards in a single season with four red cards issued.
Nyibon FC became the first team in MPL history to concede over 100 goals in a season, letting in 118 goals, while All Blacks conceded 113 goals.
Vanguard FC Old Boys also became the first team to score a century of goals in a season, netting 101 goals as on May 27.
Hethanglo of Vanguard FC Old Boys scored the first goal of the season, while Viposa of Gethemgo FC registered the fastest goal after scoring against Morung United within 28 seconds.
Silvi of Morning FC recorded the fastest hat-trick of the season against All Blacks in just three minutes.
The season also witnessed remarkable individual feats with Mele of Unity FC scoring one double hat-trick, while Yhunshalo of Vanguard FC (Old Boys) achieved the feat twice during the season.
Morung United also created a unique record when three of its players — Theja, Khriesito and Burakum — scored hat-tricks in a single match against Nyibon FC.
In the individual awards category, Yhunshalo of Vanguard FC (Old Boys) won the Golden Boot award after scoring 35 goals during the season.
Avisa of Vanguard FC (Old Boys) received the Golden Glove award with five clean sheets, while Vizelie of Vanguard FC Old Boys was adjudged Best Defender after registering six clean sheets along with eight goals and two assists.
Benlo of Vanguard FC Old Boys was named Best Midfielder with an impressive tally of 17 goals and 15 assists.
The Player of the Season award went to Mele of Unity FC for scoring 31 goals and providing 11 assists during the campaign.
Eagle FC received the Fair Play Award after recording only one yellow card throughout the tournament.
The closing programme was held at IG Stadium, Kohima with MLA and general secretary of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Benei M. Lamthiu, attending as the special guest, while Commandant of 45th Assam Rifles, Colonel Krishna Mishra, attended as the guest of honour.
The programme was led by Hethanglo, followed by a prayer by Victor Pucho. Arenchenla Walling presented a special song, while the vote of thanks was delivered by MFA president Burakum.