Noklak, Mon, and Chümoukedima emerged victorious in their respective matches on Thursday at the ongoing 2025 edition of the Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Trophy, while Peren and Kohima had to settle for a goalless draw in the final match of the day.
Noklak beat Longleng 3-0
In Match 21 of the tournament, Noklak concluded their campaign on a high note by defeating Longleng 3-0 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Noklak gained an early advantage through Thangsoi M, who netted the opening goal in the 7th minute. Noklak maintained pressure throughout the game, and Thangsoi completed his brace in the 51st minute, further strengthening their hold on the match. The third goal came in the 58th minute, when Lamsong L found the back of the net, effectively sealing the win.
Despite Longleng’s attempts to stage a comeback, Noklak’s well-organized defence ensured a clean sheet. The match concluded with both teams joining in prayer and thanksgiving, marking a respectful end to their tournament journey which ends as both teams fail to make it to the quarter finals.
Mon edge past Zbto 2-0
Match 22 saw Mon edge past Zunheboto 1-0 in a closely contested battle. The only goal of the match came in the 56th minute, when Mon’s Laiwang scored from a free-kick that took a deflection off the wall and wrong-footed the goalkeeper.
Mon held their defensive lines firmly despite Zunheboto’s increased pressure in the closing stages. A yellow card was issued to Manton of Mon in the 65th minute following a late challenge, but the team held their composure to secure the win.
The match garnered notable online traction, recording the highest live viewership of the tournament so far with close to 22,000 fans tuning in during the match. The Mon district community was widely lauded for their enthusiastic support and the charged atmosphere they created.
Chümou beat Dmu 2-0
In Match 23, Chümoukedima continued their dominant run with a clinical 2-0 victory over Dimapur, thereby concluding the group stage with maximum points and no goals conceded. Chümoukedima took the lead in the 18th minute through Lima (Jersey No. 12), who calmly slotted in after a smooth midfield build-up. He doubled the lead in the 30th minute, capitalising on a defensive error.
The game witnessed heightened tensions in the second half, resulting in yellow cards for players from both teams on separate challenges. Dimapur attempted to rally late in the game, but Chümoukedima’s composed defensive unit ensured they kept their third consecutive clean sheet. With this result, Chümoukedima finished on top of Group B with 9 points, emerging as one of the strongest contenders heading into the knockout stage without conceding even a goal in the group stage.
Peren hold Kohima 0-0
Match 24 between Peren and Kohima ended in a goalless draw, with both sides showing strong defensive structure but failing to convert in the final third.
The encounter was intense from the outset, with both teams looking to dominate possession. Peren exploited the flanks effectively, while Kohima threatened on the counter. However, goal-scoring opportunities remained limited.
The game was marked by a high number of cautions. Peren’s Namsibo and Kenumdi were booked in the 23rd and 34th minutes respectively. Kohima’s Menoneikho, Kevizakie, and Kevisekho also received yellow cards for various infringements.
Despite the lack of goals, the match remained lively and competitive, keeping spectators engaged until the final whistle. Despite the draw, both teams will be heading to the quarterfinals which starts next week.
Saturday’s Matches
Kiphire Vs Wokha
– 9 a.m.
Tuensang Vs Niuland
– 11 a.m.
Phek Vs Mokokchung
– 1 p.m.
Mon Vs Shamator
– 3 p.m.