MOKOKCHUNG, OCT 16 (NPN): Wokha registered a commanding 8–0 victory over Meluri, while Tuensang, Zunheboto and Mon also secured important wins in their respective matches of the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee edition 2026 on Friday.
Wokha hammer Meluri 8–0
Wokha delivered a dominant performance to thrash Meluri 8–0 in Match No. 9 of the championship, displaying clinical finishing and sustained attacking pressure throughout the encounter.
Wokha made a blistering start, with Yibenthung opening the scoring in the 15th minute before Mhachio doubled the lead a minute later. Saronbemo added the third in the 34th minute, giving Wokha a comfortable advantage.
The onslaught continued in the second half, with Ekonthung finding the net in the 38th minute before Pibenthung extended the lead in the 43rd minute. Ekonthung then completed his hat-trick with goals in the 48th and 52nd minutes, further underlining Wokha’s superiority. Pibenthung rounded off the scoring with his second goal in the 70+2nd minute.
Wokha dominated possession with 60% and registered 18 shots, including 14 on target. Meluri managed 11 attempts, with three on target. Wokha also earned nine corners against Meluri’s seven.
Tuensang rally to beat Mokokchung 2–1
Tuensang staged an impressive second-half comeback to overcome Mokokchung 2–1 in Match No. 10 of the championship.
Mokokchung took the lead in the 26th minute through Imnatoshi and maintained their advantage until the interval, leaving Tuensang with work to do after the break.
Tuensang responded strongly in the second half, with Ayenmongba restoring parity in the 45th minute. Building on the equaliser, Bichumli struck in the 49th minute to complete the turnaround and put Tuensang ahead. Mokokchung attempted to find a way back into the contest, but Tuensang held firm defensively to preserve their lead and secure the victory.
Tuensang enjoyed 55% possession and registered 15 shots, nine of which were on target. Mokokchung recorded 14 attempts, including six on target. Tuensang also earned eight corners against Mokokchung’s four.
Atopu’s early strike guides Zunheboto past Dimapur
Zunheboto secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Dimapur in Match No. 11, with Atopu’s seventh-minute strike proving decisive in a closely contested encounter.
Zunheboto made an early breakthrough when Atopu found the net in the seventh minute, putting Dimapur on the back foot and forcing them to chase the game.
Dimapur responded with sustained attacking pressure, creating opportunities and winning several corners in search of an equaliser. However, Zunheboto remained organised at the back and successfully defended their slender advantage. The match also saw a setback for Dimapur when Vizokhotuo went down in the 48th minute.
Despite trailing, Dimapur recorded 17 shots, including six on target, and earned 10 corners. Zunheboto registered 15 shots, with four on target, and won three corners. Zunheboto held 55% possession against Dimapur’s 45%.
Mon fight back to defeat Kiphire 3–1
Mon produced a strong comeback to defeat Kiphire 3–1 in Match No. 12, recovering from an early deficit to secure a convincing victory.
Kiphire took the lead in the 28th minute through Yotsase, putting Mon under pressure. Mon suffered another setback when A. Amun received a yellow card in the 32nd minute.
However, Mon found the equaliser in first-half stoppage time through Echung at 35+1 minutes, restoring parity before the interval. Mon carried the momentum into the second half, with L. Nyamnyei scoring in the 37th minute to put his side ahead. Mon continued to press forward and sealed the victory through Nokwang, who scored the third goal in the 70th minute.
Mon controlled 70% of possession and recorded 13 shots, including nine on target. Kiphire registered 16 attempts, with seven on target. Mon also won six corners compared to Kiphire’s two.