Mon and Niuland categorically asserted their dominance in the ongoing Dr. T Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2024 on Wednesday to book their slots for a final showdown on August 15 as the fortnight-long tournament comes to a close.
In a pulsating semi-final match on Wednesday, Mon produced a masterclass of dominance, defeating Mokokchung 3–0 to seal their place in the grand finale. The first half was tight and tense, with both teams cautiously probing for weaknesses. The deadlock was finally broken in the 42nd minute when Laiwang pounced on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past the Mokokchung goalkeeper with precision and composure.
As first-half stoppage time ticked away, K Arap struck a clinical finish in the 45+3 minute, giving Mon a commanding 2–0 lead at the break.
Mokokchung, desperate to claw their way back, pressed forward in the second half but were repeatedly repelled by Mon’s disciplined defense. The final blow came in the 81st minute when Amun sealed the contest with a thunderous strike, sparking celebrations in the stands.
Tensions flared late in the game, with Amun receiving a yellow card in the 82nd minute and Tarepnungsang of Mokokchung getting booked in the 77th minute, but nothing could dampen Mon’s triumphant march to the final whistle.
Match patron Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang handed over the tournament mementoes to an emotional Mokokchung team as they headed home following the defeat.
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In the second semi-final match, Niuland secured their spot in the final after edging out the host team Kohima 3–2 in a pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The first half belonged entirely to Niuland who struck twice in quick succession. Toka opened the account for Niuland in the 37th minute with a composed finish after a slick passing move. Six minutes later, Lokivi doubled the advantage, capitalizing on Kohima’s defensive lapse to slot home confidently.
Niuland’s dominance continued after the break, and Kakhevi seemingly put the game to bed in the 66th minute, making it 3–0. But Kohima refused to go quietly.
A spirited fightback began in the 73rd minute when Kevizakie pulled one back with a clinical strike. The tension escalated in the dying moments as Nisede struck in the 89th minute, setting up a frantic finish.
Despite Kohima’s late surge, Niuland held firm, sealing a dramatic victory and setting up a mouth-watering final against Mon on Friday.
The match was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton as the match patron.
Mention may be made here that the second semi-final match was officiated by an all women squad led by FIFA Referee and AIFF Best Women Referee 2024-25 Ranjita Devi Takcham (Manipur) as the main referee. She was assisted by FIFA Assistant Referee and AIFF Best Women Asst. Referee 2024-25 Riiohlang Dhar (Meghalaya), FIFA Assistant Referee Elangbam Debala Devi (Manipur), and Vephilu Hoshi (Nagaland).
