Mon and Zunheboto secured their places in the semi-finals of the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition, following contrasting victories in the first two quarter-finals.
Quarter-Final 1: Mon 4–2 Longleng
Mon produced a commanding second-half performance to defeat Longleng 4–2 and become the first team to book a place in the semi-finals.
After a goalless first half, Mon broke the deadlock through Eshong Konyak in the 49th minute. The forward struck again in the 63rd minute to complete his brace and strengthen Mon’s advantage.
Tingshak Konyak added Mon’s third goal in the 67th minute before L Nyamnyei extended the lead further in the 69th minute, putting Mon firmly in control at 4–0.
Longleng responded late in the match, with Henpang finding the net in the 76th minute before B. Mantong scored in the 90+1st minute. Despite the late fight-back, Mon held on to secure a 4–2 victory and advance to the semi-finals.
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L Nyamnyei and David of Mon received yellow cards in the 50th and 52nd minutes, respectively, while Longleng’s Ongkum was booked in the 43rd minute.
The match was patronised by N Chuba Phom, District Planning Officer, Mokokchung, Nagaland.
Quarter-Final 2: Kohima 1–2 Zunheboto
Zunheboto booked the second semi-final berth with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Kohima, with Hikupu delivering the decisive goal in stoppage time.
Kohima took the lead in the 33rd minute through Noulevituo and carried their advantage into the second half. However, Zunheboto responded strongly after the break, with Mangholen equalising in the 51st minute to bring the contest level at 1–1.
With both sides battling for a place in the semi-finals, the match remained closely contested until the closing stages. Just when the game appeared destined for an extended battle, Hikupu struck in the first half of Extra time at 92nd minute to give Zunheboto a dramatic 2–1 victory.
The late goal sealed Zunheboto’s progression to the semi-finals, ending Kohima’s campaign in the Silver Jubilee Edition.
Kohima’s Radovei received a yellow card in the 102nd minute of extra time, while Zunheboto’s Atopu was booked in the 105th minute.
The match was patronised by Imtitoshi, Commandant, 12th NAP IR, Chingtok, Longleng.
October 24 Fixtures: Quarter-Finals 3 and 4
The quarter-final action continues tomorrow, with two more teams set to secure their places in the semi-finals.
Quarter-Final 3
Wokha vs Peren
Kick-off: 4:00 PM
Match Patron: Temsupongla, Sr. Treasury Officer, Mokokchung
Quarter-Final 4
Phek vs Tuensang
Kick-off: 7:00 PM
Match Patron: Imkumniba Kichu, Councillor, Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC)
With Mon and Zunheboto already through, anticipation builds as Wokha, Peren, Phek and Tuensang prepare to battle for the remaining two semi-final spots in Nagaland’s premier inter-district football championship.
