The ongoing final group stages of the Dr. T Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Friday witnessed emotional wins and losses.

In the first match of the day, Noklak wrapped up their campaign in style- securing a 3-0 victory over Longleng. With both teams playing their final game prior to exiting the tournament, the fixture was a mix of competitive spirit and a reflective farewell.

Noklak wasted no time in taking control with Thangsoi M striking home early in the 7th minute, setting the tone for the match. Despite Longleng’s efforts to settle into the game, Noklak continued to dictate the play. Thangsoi struck again in the 51st minute of the second half, completing his brace and putting the game firmly out of reach.

The final goal came in the 58th minute when Lamsong L found the back of the net, sealing a dominant performance for Noklak. Longleng battled to create chances but were consistently denied by Noklak’s disciplined backline.

At the end of the match, both teams came together in a display of unity and sportsmanship, joining in prayer and giving thanks to God — a fitting close to their tournament journeys.

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In the second match, Mon secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zunheboto with a second-half goal proving to be the difference. The game was tight from the outset, with both teams showing strong defensive discipline and few clear-cut chances in the opening 35 minutes.

The decisive moment came in the 56th minute when Laiwang stepped up for a free kick just outside the penalty area.

Zunheboto pressed for an equalizer, but Mon’s backline held firm, protecting their slender lead until the final whistle. Tensions flared briefly in the 65th minute when Manton of Mon was shown a yellow card for a late challenge, but the hosts kept their composure to see out the match.

Playing the third match of the day, Chümoukedima capped off a flawless group stage campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Dimapur, sealing their place at the top of Group B with maximum points and an unblemished defensive record.

The early stages saw Chümoukedima take control of possession, dictating the tempo with quick passing and smart movement. Their dominance paid off in the 18th minute when Lima broke the deadlock, slotting the ball into the net after a slick build-up from midfield.

Just twelve minutes later, Lima struck again — this time capitalizing on a defensive lapse to double Chümoukedima’s lead in the 30th minute.

Dimapur struggled to break down their opponents’ organized backline, with few clear chances throughout the match.

Tensions flared midway through the game, as Hesaka of Dimapur and Devika of Chümoukedima were both shown yellow cards for separate challenges. Despite a spirited effort from Dimapur in the second half, Chümoukedima’s composure and defensive discipline ensured they closed out the match with their third consecutive clean sheet of the tournament.

In the fourth match, playing the last of the Group D match, Peren and Kohima played out a tense 0-0 draw in Match 24, a contest marked by strong defensive organization, high intensity, and a flurry of yellow cards.

From the outset, both teams showed intent to press forward, but well-timed tackles and disciplined defensive lines kept scoring chances to a minimum. Peren looked dangerous in wide areas, while Kohima threatened with quick counterattacks, yet neither side could find the breakthrough.

The game’s competitive edge was reflected in its disciplinary record, with a total of five yellow cards shown. Peren’s Namsibo and Kenumdi were booked in the 23rd and 34th minutes respectively, while Kohima’s Menoneikho, Kevizakie, and Kevisekho also went into the referee’s notebook.

Despite the lack of goals, the match kept spectators engaged with its end-to-end energy and physical duels. Both sides will take away positives from their defensive performances, though questions remain about their attacking sharpness heading into the next stage.

August 9 fixture:

Kiphire vs Wokha (9 AM)

Tuensang vs Niuland (11 AM)

Phek vs Mokokchung (1 PM)

Mon vs Shamator (3 PM)