Mon and Niuland became the first two teams to seal their places in the semi-finals of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025, overcoming Dimapur and Chümoukedima respectively in a day of intense quarter-final action marked by goals, drama, and unyielding determination.
Mon outclass Dimapur 3-1
In the first quarter-final, Mon outclassed Dimapur 3–1 in a contest that gripped the crowd from start to finish. The game began at a blistering pace, with Mon’s Amun breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute through a composed finish inside the box. Dimapur struggled to find a breakthrough in the opening half, as Mon’s defence held firm under pressure.
The second half saw Mon tighten their grip on the tie when Manton doubled the lead in the 73rd minute. Dimapur responded almost immediately, with Imkongnungsang pulling one back in the 78th minute to spark hopes of a comeback. However, Mon struck back within three minutes as Manyem fired in a thunderous shot in the 81st minute to restore their two-goal cushion.
Mon’s disciplined approach was reflected in their control of the match despite receiving yellow cards for Amun (42nd) and Bumang (66th). Dimapur’s Francis (14th) and Imkongnungsang (42nd) were also cautioned. The result sent Mon into the last four, backed by a wave of support from their travelling fans.
The match saw another record of close to 34,000 viewers tuning in to watch the live on YouTube.
The match patron was Minister of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, C. L. John.
Niuland edge past Chümoukedima 1-0
The second quarter-final proved even tighter as Niuland edged past Chümoukedima 1–0 in a match decided by an own goal. The only breakthrough came in the 45+3rd minute of the first half when Chümoukedima defender Merensang, under heavy pressure, sliced a clearance into his own net.
Chümoukedima pressed relentlessly in the second half but could not find a way past Niuland’s resilient backline marshalled by Torito and Kakhevi. Tempers flared as the game wore on, with yellow cards shown to Chümoukedima’s Katoho (75th) and Nungshimar (90+2), while Niuland’s Torito (27th), Kakhevi (39th), and even head coach Kivilu (31st) went into the referee’s book. Despite their exit, Chümoukedima left the tournament with the unusual record of not conceding to any opponent—except through an own goal. Niuland, meanwhile, progress to the semi-finals on the back of defensive organisation and sheer willpower.
Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies & Legal Metrology, KT Sukhalu, was the match patron for the second quarter-final. The quarter-final stage continues on August 12 with Mokokchung taking on Peren at 1 p.m., followed by Kohima facing Wokha at 4 p.m.