Dr. T. Ao Trophy: Mon, Niuland set up title clash

Mon and Niuland booked their places in the final of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025 after registering commanding semi-final victories at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, setting up a high-stakes title clash on August 15.
In the first semi-final, Mon powered past Mokokchung 3–0 in a performance marked by clinical finishing and solid defensive discipline. The opening half saw both sides adopting a cautious approach until the 42nd minute, when Laiwang (Jr. No. 7) capitalised on a defensive error to slot home the opener. Mon doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through K. Arap (Jr. No. 15), whose precise strike put the team firmly in control.
Mokokchung pressed hard after the break but struggled to break through Mon’s backline. The decisive blow came in the 81st minute when Amun (Jr. No. 9) fired in a powerful finish, sealing the win. Tempers flared in the closing stages, with Amun receiving a yellow card in the 82nd minute and Mokokchung’s Tarepnungsang (Jr. No. 10) booked in the 77th minute.
The match patron for the first semi-final was Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang.
In the second semi-final, Niuland edged past Kohima 3–2 in a thrilling contest that swung dramatically in the final stages. Niuland dominated the first half, with Toka (Jr. No. 10) opening the scoring in the 37th minute after a swift exchange of passes. Six minutes later, Lokivi (Jr. No. 19) doubled the advantage following a defensive lapse from Kohima.
Kakhevi (Jr. No. 7) extended Niuland’s lead to 3–0 in the 66th minute, seemingly putting the game beyond doubt. However, Kohima mounted a spirited comeback, with Kevizakie (Jr. No. 19) reducing the deficit in the 73rd minute and Nisede (Jr. No. 10) striking again in the 89th minute to set up a tense finale. Niuland held on under intense pressure to seal their berth in the final.
Kohima district player Thejangulie was handed out a cautionary card in the 45+2.
The second semi-final was notable for being officiated entirely by an all-women refereeing team. The main referee, Ranjita Devi Tekcham from Manipur — a FIFA Referee and AIFF Best Women Referee for 2024–25 — was assisted by FIFA Assistant Referees Riiohlang Dhar from Meghalaya, recipient of the AIFF Best Women Assistant Referee award for 2024–25, and Elangbam Debala Devi from Manipur. Vephilu Hoshi from Nagaland served as the fourth official. The match commissioner was Avar, and the referee assessor was Medozevi Punyü.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton was the match patron for the second semi-final.
Ahead of the grand finale, an exhibition match between Nagaland Football Association (NFA) officials and the organising committee will be held on Thursday at 5 p.m., with free entry for spectators.
Mon and Niuland now head into the final with unbeaten records, each backed by passionate support and chasing the coveted Dr. T. Ao Trophy.