Mokokchung’s journey to the semi-finals of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025 will be remembered as one of grit, composure and unshakable belief. Under the floodlights, in front of a roaring crowd, they overcame a spirited Peren side in a nerve-shredding 105-minute battle that ended 2–2 after regulation and added time, before holding their nerve to win 5–4 in the dreaded penalty shootout.
Peren drew first blood in the 32nd minute when their forward Nrakhak Zeliang (Jr. No. 9) latched on to a precise pass and slotted home, briefly silencing the Mokokchung stands. But Mokokchung famous for their fighting spirit, struck back deep into first-half stoppage time—Tongpangnokdang (Jr. No. 9) blasting in the equaliser in the 45+4th minute to send the stadium into raptures.
Barely five minutes into the second half, Nrakhak struck again, completing his brace and sending Peren’s supporters into a frenzy. The underdogs sensed an upset, but Mokokchung refused to be broken. In the 64th minute, Takotuba (Jr. No. 20) found the net, sparking a fresh wave of hope.
From there, the match turned into a fierce war of tackles, tactical fouls and yellow cards flying thick and fast. Neither side could find the winner in additional time of full 15 minutes, and the contest marched inevitably to kick from the penalty mark.
When the moment of truth arrived, Mokokchung were flawless burying all five spot-kicks. Peren’s luck ran out when one effort was denied, handing Mokokchung a famous victory and a semi-final clash against Mon. The celebrations were wild—players in tears, the crowd in full voice while Peren’s warriors sank to the turf, proud but heartbroken.
Cautionary cards were shown to Mokokchung’s Ayimnukshi (88’), Tongpangnokdang (90+15), Rongsennungba (Coach, 90+15), and Yimya (Manager, 90+15), while Peren’s Chidiheu was booked in the 78th minute. Minister of Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, was the match patron.
Kohima and Wokha match halted due to fog
If the third quarter-final was a battle of endurance, the fourth was a test of patience and nature won the day.
Kohima and Wokha’s quarter-final encounter was shaping into a tense duel when the weather intervened. Wokha’s Mhabemo Kikon had opened the scoring in the 20th minute, only for Kohima’s Kevizakie to level the tie in the 72nd minute. Just as the match was heating up, thick fog rolled in, completely obscuring visibility. Play was halted multiple times, with over 60 minutes lost to temporary suspensions. Eventually, the inevitable was announced—the match would not resume. Instead, the remaining minutes will be played on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., with the score locked at 1–1.
Advisor of Agriculture, was the match patron, Mhathung Yanthan.
On Wednesday’s morning, Kohima and Wokha will return to settle unfinished business. The winning team from the 4th quarter final will play against Niuland in the 2nd Semi Final at 6 p.m. Dy CM Y Patton will be the match patron during the first semi-final.
1st semifinal (Wednesday)
Mon Vs Mokokchung -3 p.m.