Kohima recorded the biggest win of the day with a 5-0 victory over Longleng, while Phek defeated Chümoukedima 3-1, highlighted by Thujosa’s first-minute strike, as the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition, continued at the newly built Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, on Saturday.

Tseminyu also registered a 2-1 win over Shamator, while Niuland and Peren played out a 1-1 draw in the day’s four matches.

The tournament, which began on October 13, features teams representing all 17 districts of Nagaland. The group stage will conclude on October 22, followed by the quarter-finals on October 23 and 24, semi-finals on October 26 and 27, and the final on October 29.

Kohima dominate Longleng 5-0

In Match No. 13, Kohima secured a five-goal victory over Longleng, scoring five times without conceding.

Kohima took the lead in the 24th minute through an own goal by Longleng’s Yinglemoikup. Petevizo doubled the advantage in the 25th minute, before Noulevituo scored in first-half stoppage time at 35+5 minutes.

Kevizakie added Kohima’s fourth goal in the 37th minute, and Noulevituo completed his brace in the 39th minute to make it 5-0.

Kohima maintained the advantage until full time. Petevizo received a yellow card in the 56th minute, followed by Longleng’s M. Konglang in the 64th minute. Kekhrievor Kitshü and L. Chingmei were booked in the 70th minute, while Kevizolie Kin received a yellow card at 70+3 minutes.

Tseminyu edge Shamator 2-1

Tseminyu defeated Shamator 2-1 in Match No. 14 after recovering from the equaliser.

Tseminyu took an early lead in the seventh minute through an own goal by Shamator’s Solen Yim. Shamator levelled the score in the 32nd minute when M. Yimso converted a penalty.

The match remained level until the 57th minute, when Adan scored the decisive goal for Tseminyu. Anyele Tep of Tseminyu received a yellow card in the 32nd minute.

Thujosa scores in first minute as Phek beat Chümoukedima

Phek defeated Chümoukedima 3-1 in Match No. 15, with Thujosa scoring the tournament’s fastest goal so far in the opening minute.

Eneibe extended Phek’s lead in the sixth minute to put the side 2-0 ahead. Chümoukedima reduced the deficit through Gangchui in the 28th minute, but Phek restored its two-goal cushion when Shovelo scored at 70+2 minutes.

Phek’s Vaporayi received a yellow card in the 18th minute.

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Niuland, Peren share points

The final match of the day, Match No. 16, ended in a 1-1 draw between Niuland and Peren.

Peren took the lead in the seventh minute through Khiuwan, while Kanoto equalised for Niuland in the 30th minute. Neither side managed to find a winner in the remaining minutes. Niuland’s Hekato received a yellow card in the 58th minute.

Knockout stage begins October 23

The quarter-finals will be played over two days, on October 23 and 24. The semi-finals are scheduled for October 26 and 27, with the final set for October 29 at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma.

The championship is organised by the Nagaland Football Association under the aegis of the All India Football Federation and hosted by the Mokokchung District Football Association. The tournament honours Dr. Talimeren Ao, who captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics.

The champion will receive ₹3 lakh, while the runner-up will receive ₹2 lakh. The two losing semi-finalists will receive ₹50,000 each. Individual awards will also be presented for the best goalkeeper, best defender, best player and highest scorer of the tournament.

The tournament will resume on October 19 with four matches scheduled at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma. Kiphire will face Noklak at 8 am, followed by Mon against Zunheboto at 10:30 am. In the afternoon, Niuland will take on Phek at 4 pm, while Chümoukedima will meet Peren in the final match of the day at 6:30 pm.

Meanwhile, a special fellowship programme titled “Combine Fellowship” for Mokokchung town youth and the 17 district teams participating in the championship was held on Sunday, October 18, at the Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo (MTBA) at 3 p.m. Organised by the SSE Ministry and NBCC Youth Department in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Federation (NFA), the programme brought together young people from the town and the participating district teams for fellowship and prayer. All participating teams, along with representatives of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), attended the occasion.

The programme featured an overture by Dr Butesen Ozüküm, Youth Secretary, ABAM, followed by praise and worship led by the MTBA team. E Echu Konyak of the NBCC Student Ministry offered the invocation, while Kiyeka Sumi, Vice President of the NFA, delivered the greetings. The Konyak Baptist Church, Mokokchung, presented a special number, followed by Bible reading by Temsujungla, Sports Chaplain of the NPBCA. Rev N Suhuto Chishi, Youth Secretary, NBCC, led the Word and prayer.