The second day of the Dr. T Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025 saw an action-packed four matches at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium, Kohima.
In the first match of the day, two eastern Nagaland giants – Mon and defending champions Tuensang locked horns to give spectators a nail-biting experience.
K Arap scored the opening goal for Mon in the 22nd minute, giving them an early lead. Mon continued to lead into the second half, denying the defending champs the chance to score. However, Tuensang managed to breach Mon’s strong defense wall in the final minutes with
S Ayengmongba hitting the net to equalize the score during the extra time (70+1 minute).
Three players from Mon -Tingshak , Manyem Konyak and Arap were awarded yellow cards
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In the day’s second match, Chümoukedima beat Longleng 1-0. Chümoukedima’s Katoho scored the decisive goal in the 8th minute, securing a 1-0 win for his district. Although Longleng put up a fierce fight, Chümoukedima held steadfast protecting its D-box. The match may have ended with a 1-0 scoreline but it was a display of pure skill and teamwork from both teams.
The third match of the day saw a nail-biting encounter between Mokokchung and Wokha- going from a goalless first half to a 3-1 win for Mokokchung. Following a goal-drought in in the first half, Mokokchung’s Sentilong broke the spell in the 46th minute. Wokha’s Saronbemo scored the equalizer in the 64th minute, but Mokokchung exhibited grit to take advantage with Takotuba and Meyasenba scoring one goal each in the final 70 and 70+3 minutes. The match ended in favour of Mokokchung 3-1.
In the last match of the day, debutant Meluri took on experienced Peren. The first half of the match was dominated by Meluri who refused to break its chain of defense, leaving Peren grappling at straws, unable to organize. Meluri’s Yithachu scored the opening goal in the 17th minute which brought the whole team rallying to keep Peren from getting close to the D-box, leave alone scoring. Peren got its chance to equalize before the first half whistle when the referee awarded a penalty against one of Meluri’s defenders but the opportunity got lost as Meluri’s goalkeeper Wietsusie Poji blocked it.
In the second half, Peren clearly reorganized its strategy as it came pouncing. A brace each from Nrakhak and Kenumdi in the 41st and 66th minute and 45th and 50th minute respectively crushed the youngest district’s dreams of starting with a win.
By the time the final whistle was blown, Peren came back with a resounding 4-1 victory.
Day 3 (August 4) fixture:
Shamator vs Niuland (9 AM)
Noklak vs Dimapur (11 AM)
Phek vs Kiphire (1 PM)
Zunheboto vs Tuensang (3 PM)
