The 24th Inter District Football Championship, Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025, is set for a thrilling conclusion as Mon and Niuland districts prepare to face off in the grand finale on August 15. After weeks of intense competition, the two teams have emerged as deserving finalists, each bringing a distinct style and formidable talent to the pitch.
Mon’s Road to Final
Mon’s journey to the final has been marked by defensive discipline and clutch performances. They began with a 1–1 draw against Tuensang, followed by a hard-fought 2–1 win over Niuland.
A narrow victory over Zunheboto and a comeback triumph against Shamator showcased their resilience, while a commanding 3–1 quarter-final win over Dimapur sealed their place in the semis. With consistent contributions from K. Arap and Laiwang Bohham, Mon has proven to be a tactically sound and mentally tough side.
Niuland’s Road to Final
Niuland, on the other hand, has lit up the tournament with attacking flair. Their campaign began with a record-breaking 9–0 demolition of Shamator, featuring Apeto’s lightning-fast goal and Kakhevi’s hat-trick. Despite a setback against Mon, they bounced back with wins over Zunheboto and Tuensang, the latter sealed by Hivika’s dramatic stoppage-time strike. Niuland’s forward trio — Apeto, Kakhevi, and Hivika — has been instrumental in their high-scoring run, making them one of the most feared attacking units in the competition.
Statistically, both teams have impressed. Mon remains unbeaten with four wins and a draw, scoring 10 goals and conceding just four. Niuland, with four wins and one loss, has netted 17 goals while conceding seven. The final promises a clash of philosophies — Mon’s structured counter-attacks versus Niuland’s relentless offensive pressure.
Golden Boot race heats up
Adding to the drama is the race for the Golden Boot. Ayenmongba of Tuensang leads with eight goals, but his team’s early exit leaves the door open. Apeto and Kakhevi of Niuland trail with six goals each, while Mon’s K. Arap and Laiwang Bohham sit on four. A standout performance in the final could shift the leaderboard and crown a new top scorer.
As the curtain falls on this year’s championship, all eyes turn to the showdown between Mon and Niuland — a battle not just for the trophy, but for glory, pride, and a place in Nagaland’s footballing history.