As the Dr. T Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Tournament 2025 group stages progressed on Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium in the state capital Kohima, Peren and Dimapur registered wins to ensure their slot in the quarter finals while Zunheboto and Wokha won their respective matches to keep up their hopes to remain in the race.
Peren produced a stirring second-half fightback in the first match of the day, overcoming Tseminyu 2-1 with a dramatic brace from substitute Nrakhak, whose inspired cameo sealed all three points for the team.
Tseminyu started bright, dictating the tempo and pressing ahead in the pitch. Their early momentum was rewarded in the 22nd minute, when Japhet Kath broke through the opponent’s defense to open the scoring with a clinical finish.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Peren struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, but the introduction of Nrakhak after the break proved the turning point.
The super-sub made an instant impact, grabbing the equalizer in the 64th minute with a poacher’s finish that stunned the Tseminyu defense line. Nrakhak struck again six minutes later, calmly slotting home his second goal in the 70th minute to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Despite Tseminyu’s desperate attempts to salvage a result, Peren held firm to secure a vital victory.
In the second match of the day, Zunheboto overwhelmed Shamator 3-0.
After a wave of early attacks, Pulovi Kiho in the 30th minute, when Pulovi Kiho, reportedly a Class-12 student, pounced on a loose ball and rifled home a powerful finish.
Eight minutes later, Vinato Achumi doubled the lead with a precise strike into the bottom corner, capping a sustained spell of dominance that left Shamator’s defense reeling.
As the second half unfolded, Zunheboto showed no intention of easing off. In the 60th minute, Tokibe rose highest in the box to head home the third goal, putting the result beyond doubt and underlining their complete command of the match.
Despite flashes of resistance, Shamator were unable to mount any meaningful response and were forced to absorb wave after wave of Zunheboto attacks.
Taking to the turf in the third match of the day, Wokha produced a commanding performance to overpower Phek with a blend of precision and aggression to secure a 3-2 win.
Yisanbemo capped off a sweeping team move with a thunderous finish in the 19th minute to ignite the Wokha supporters in the stands.
Phek struggled to regain their composure as Wokha continued to dominate possession and dictate the rhythm.
Early in the second half, Tsentselong doubled the lead in the 46th minute, latching onto a deft pass and calmly slotting the ball past the keeper. The third goal was scored by Renjamo in the 57th minute giving a treat to the audience.
Although Phek’s Veporayi came off the bench to threaten a dramatic twist in the final 10 minutes- scoring a brace in the 65th and 70+1 minutes to briefly breathe life into Phek’s ambitions, the damage had already been done by Wokha’s earlier onslaught.
As the final whistle blew, Wokha’s players celebrated a statement victory that reinforced their credentials as one of the tournament’s most relentless sides.
With both Wokha and Phek having won and lost one game each in the group stages, they have to aim to win the next group stage match to advance to the quarters. On August 9, both their fates will be decided as Wokha takes on a beleaguered Kiphire, and Phek faces a strong Mokokchung who already has 6 points with two wins in the group C table.
Playing the fourth match of the day, Dimapur produced a clinical exhibit brushing aside Longleng with a commanding 3-0 win that left no doubt about their credentials as serious contenders.
Dimapur’s Mangkholen found the net in the 30th minute putting Dimapur’s scoreline ahead.
Before Longleng could regroup, Dimapur struck again just before the half time with Rukuwe converting in the 35+1 minute to double the lead.
Any hopes for Longleng of a second-half fightback evaporated in the 48th minute, as Zarenthung capped off to make it 3-0. Dimapur’s technical superiority and relentless pressing left Longleng chasing shadows for the remainder of the contest. With this win, Dimapur has ensured itself a place in the next round.
Match Day-5 (August 7) fixture:
Shamator vs Tuensang (9 AM)
Meluri vs Tseminyu (11 AM)
Zunheboto vs Niuland (1 PM)
