PDFL 3.0 kicks off: Friends of Society thrash Lekie Mtei FC 4-1

The third edition of the Peren District Football League (PDFL 3.0) kicked off on Saturday at Jalukie Turf with Friends of Society defeating Lekie Mtei FC 4–1 in the opening encounter.
Gaichuipou broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, beating the offside trap to put Friends of Society ahead. Despite Lekie Mtei FC’s determined push for an equaliser in the second half, their finishing let them down. Gaichuipou doubled his tally in the 78th minute, followed by Henkhohao’s strike in the 83rd. Lekie Mtei FC pulled one back through Haokhohen in the 89th minute, but Lungkhun sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal (90+2).
The match also witnessed disciplinary issues, with six players cautioned—four from Lekie Mtei FC (Rofus, Chidiheu, Khiuwang, Iteibabe) and two from Friends of Society (Iculung, Lungpetsing).
The inaugural programme was graced by Er. Achakbo Newmai, SE (Retd.), Department of Agriculture, as special guest, and Ziudi Thou, chairman of Mhainamtsi Village Council, as special invitee. In his address, Achakbo described PDFL as a role model among district football leagues in Nagaland, noting that it could inspire other districts to emulate and provide platforms for youth to reach state, national, and international levels. He lauded the organisers, players, and supporters for their efforts and urged teams to play hard and fair to bring laurels to Peren District.
Ziudi Thou, in his remarks, described the commencement of the third edition as a significant milestone for football enthusiasts in the district. He praised PDFA for its dedication despite limited resources and suggested exploring sustainable funding avenues, including allocation of LADP funds, to strengthen the league.
The programme chaired by joint secretary, PDFA, Ngautube Chamlak began with an invocation by Youth Director, Jalukie B Baptist Church, Benthuile, while the welcome address was delivered by president, PDFA, Raithu Newmai. A musical performance was presented by the winner of Peren Voice Impact 2025, Karchile Pame.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the Media Team, PDFA, Dibam Domta. This edition also marks a milestone as PDFL collaborates with SportsMatrix, built by Zeliang Codetech Pvt. Ltd., making it one of the first digitally tracked grassroots football leagues in Nagaland. SportsMatrix will record and showcase every match and performance, giving local talents a professional platform.
Altogether, seven clubs—Lekie Mtei FC, Friends of Society, Nchangram Lun FC, Kingdom Stewards, Mbaupungwa FC, Poilwa FC, and Football Plus Academy—are vying for the coveted title. The tournament will conclude on March 23, 2026.