Peren and Tuensang secured the final two semi-final spots in the 25th Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition, following contrasting quarter-final victories. Peren registered a convincing 3–0 win over Wokha, while Tuensang edged past Phek 3–1 in a penalty shootout after an enthralling 3–3 draw.
Quarter-Final 3: Peren 3–0 Wokha
Peren delivered a composed second-half performance to defeat Wokha 3–0 and advance to the semi-finals.
After a goalless first half, Peren broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through Chingthaipou, giving his side the breakthrough in a tightly contested encounter.
Kenumdi doubled the advantage in the 67th minute, putting Peren in a commanding position.
Rangliakam sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, scoring Peren’s third goal to confirm a convincing win and secure their place in the last four.
Wokha struggled to find a response as Peren maintained their advantage until the final whistle, completing a clean-sheet victory.
Peren’s Nrakhak received a yellow card in the 29th minute, while Lungpetsing was booked in the 88th minute.
The match was patronised by Temsupongla, Senior Treasury Officer, Mokokchung.
Quarter-Final 4: Phek 3–3 Tuensang (Tuensang win 3–1 on penalties)
Tuensang booked the final semi-final berth after overcoming Phek in a dramatic encounter that saw six goals before the tie was decided by a penalty shootout. Phek started strongly, with Shovelo opening the scoring in the 25th minute before
Kunuzo doubled the lead in the 33rd minute. Ponyi added a third in the 41st minute, giving Phek a seemingly comfortable 3–0 advantage.
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However, Tuensang refused to surrender. Yemlongchaba pulled one back in the 39th minute, keeping Tuensang in contention before the interval. In the second half, Super substitution Sentisang and Bashang strike in the 78th and 89th minute to complete Tuensang’s remarkable comeback and level the score at 3–3, forcing the quarter-final into a penalty shootout.
Tuensang held their nerve from the spot, converting three penalties to Phek’s one and sealing a 3–1 shootout victory to advance to the semi-finals.
Phek’s Eneibe received a yellow card in the 31st minute. Tuensang’s Tsalichem and Relithong were booked in the 11th and 31st minutes, respectively, while Ayenmongba received a yellow card in the 81st minute.
The match was patronised by Imkumniba Kichu, Councillor, Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC).
Semi-Final Fixtures confirmed
With the quarter-finals concluded, the semi-final line-up is now complete. Mon will face Peren in the first semi-final, while Zunheboto will take on Tuensang in the second.
First Semi-Final
Date: October 26; Time: 5:00 PM
Fixture: Mon vs Peren
Second Semi-Final
Date: 27 October 2026; Time: 5:00 PM
Fixture: Zunheboto vs Tuensang
The stage is set for two exciting semi-final encounters as the remaining four districts battle for a place in the final of the Silver Jubilee Edition of the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy.
