Mon, Tsg draw
The ongoing 24th edition of the Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Trophy witnessed high-octane action on Saturday with four matches played at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
While Mon and Tuensang settled for a 1-1 draw, Chümoukedima, Mokokchung and Peren secured convincing wins over their respective opponents.
Although the weather played spoilsports, fans of the game turned up in several hundreds to witness the games and also cheer for their respective districts.
Match 2: Mon vs Tuensang
In the first match of the day, Mon and Tuensang played out an intense 1-1 draw. Mon took an early lead when K. Arap scored in the 22nd minute. However, Tuensang responded late in the game, with S. Ayengmongba netting the equaliser during injury time (70+1’).
Referees issued three yellow cards to Mon players—Tingshak in the 24th minute, Manyem Konyak in the 70+2 minute, and goal scorer K. Arap in the 70+4 minute. The match ended in a stalemate, earning both teams a point each.
Match 3: Longleng vs Chümoukedima
In the second fixture, Chümoukedima edged past Longleng 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter. Katoho scored the only goal of the match in the 8th minute, giving his side a crucial victory and their first win of the tournament. The team displayed strong defensive organisation to hold on to their lead for the remainder of the match.
Match 4: Mokokchung vs Wokha
Mokokchung displayed a dominant second-half performance to defeat Wokha 3-1 in the third match of the day. The deadlock was broken in the 46th minute by Sentilong. Wokha briefly came back into the match when Saronbemo equalised in the 64th minute. However, Mokokchung regrouped quickly and added two more goals—one by Takotuba in the 70th minute and another by Meyasenba in the 70+3 minute—sealing the match in their favour.
Match 5: Peren vs Meluri
In the final match of the day, Peren routed Meluri 4-1 in a dominant display of attacking football. Meluri’s Yithachu opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but Peren bounced back strongly. Nrakhak scored a brace (41’, 66’), while Kenumdi added two goals of his own in the 45th and 50th minutes, handing Peren a commanding win and all three points.
Fixtures for Monday, August 4, 2025:
Match 6: Shamator vs Niuland – 9:00 a.m.
Match 7: Noklak vs Dimapur – 11:00 a.m.
Match 8: Phek vs Kiphire – 1:00 p.m.
Match 9: Zunheboto vs Tuensang – 3:00 p.m.
The tournament continues to gather momentum as teams from across Nagaland compete for regional pride and sporting glory.