Nagaland Football Association (NFA) XI edged past the Organising Committee of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025 in a lively exhibition match, securing a 2–1 victory at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Thursday.
Organised as part of the pre-finale celebrations, the match offered a blend of competitive flair and light-hearted camaraderie, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
NFA XI took an early lead in the 5th minute through Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, who calmly slotted home the opener. Just three minutes later, NFA vice-president Mughato Aye doubled the advantage with a well-placed strike, putting the Organising Committee on the back foot.
Despite the early setback, the Organising Committee—featuring a diverse line-up of government officials, engineers, doctors, and sports administrators—responded with spirited play and flashes of individual brilliance. Their efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when Thangchapu Rongmei capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to reduce the deficit.
The final moments saw a renewed push from the Organising Committee, but NFA XI held firm to close out the match with a narrow win.
Organising Committee Line-up:
CM Neiphiu Rio, Kevipodi Sophie, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, Er. Kropol, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, B. Henok Buchem, Dr. Menuosietuo Tseikha, Khozo (KMC), Akhrie Yhome, Pele Khezhie, Peter Kuotsu, K.C. Angami, Vilelie, Viu Belho, Mengutuo Rio, Theyiekielie Tachu, Mhalelie Rio, Vibeilietuo, Ruokuo, Alem Yapang, Seyiekhrilie, Matthew, Neidilhoutuo Sechü, Khriengulie Rio, Azho Sophie, Metekhrieile Mejura, Visakholie, Kezevituo, Vizovor, Dzieseneituo Belho, Viliebeizo, Pfuduolhou, Medoneicha Chadi, Wapanginba M, K. Soriso, and Thangchapu Rongmei.
NFA XI Line-up:
Anthony Ngully, Kethosituo Sekhose, Neidilhou Keditsu, Chupathung Ngully, Kevilebei Zashümo, Avar Danla, Angulie Dul, Lipokyanger Lemthur, Supong Ao, Medozevi Punyü, Benei M. Lamthiu, Kiyeka’s Sumü, Mughato Aye, Imli Sunup, Shahto Yimchunger, Chenonlo Wock, Mechievilie Yashü, Thangboi Thomsong, Roko Angmi, K. Neibou Sekhose, Zakietuolie Khrodi, Nyuvitho Nyuthe, Asekho Talie, Kevingutuo Kutu Sekhose, Meyi.