In a friendly exhibition match ahead of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025 final, the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) officials defeated the tournament Organising Committee 2–1 on Thursday, offering a lighter yet competitive prelude to the high-stakes final set to be held on Independence.

Just five minutes into the match, NFA team opened their account through the boots of Youth Resources and Sports director Kethosituo Sekhose. The momentum grew stronger as NFA vice president Mughato Aye doubled the lead in the 8th minute.

The tournament Organising Committee, led by the convener MLA Kevipodi Sophie, co-convener MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso and Deputy Commissioner Kohima B Henok Buchem, however, proved they were no pushovers.

They put up a disciplined defence and their decent counterattacks kept the second half engaging. The organising team reaped their reward in the 75th minute when Thangchapu Rongmei found the net.

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Despite late pressure from the Organising Committee, the NFA team held on for a well-deserved victory in a match that celebrated camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the shared passion for football in Nagaland.

On Friday, the Grand Finale of the fortnight-long tournament will begin at 5 PM which will be graced by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the special guest as the Eastern giants Mon district come to a face-off with one of the youngest districts in Nagaland- Niuland in the final showdown.

The closing ceremony will feature performances by Divine Connection’s Obed Kath, Colored Keys, Hentok Konyak, Kivika Achumi and Ace Crew among others.

The championship is organised by the Nagaland Football Association, hosted by the Kohima District Football Association, powered by the Kohima District Planning and Development Board, and supported by the department of Youth Resources and Sports.