As the group stages of the ongoing Dr. T Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025 inched towards the end at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima on Thursday, Tuensang and Niuland registered wins to assert their place in the race while Tseminyu and Meluri exhibited grit and class in their last match of the tournament as both teams face elimination.

In the first match of the day, Tuensang produced a merciless attacking masterclass, sweeping aside Shamator with a comprehensive 6-0 victory that underlined their status as one of the tournament’s most feared teams.

The highlight was yet another prolific display from Ayenmongba, who continued his blistering form to stay atop the golden boot standings. It took Tuensang just 11 minutes to open the floodgates as Dongehanglen broke through the defensive line to fire the opener.

Barely ten minutes later, Bapen doubled the advantage with a composed finish that showcased Tuensang’s attacking depth. Then came the Ayenmongba show—he struck a rapid-fire brace in the 30th and 31st minutes, effectively ending Shamator’s hopes before halftime. Namang added a fifth in the 42nd, and Ayenmongba completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, sealing a dominant and unrelenting performance.

Ayenmongba of Tuensang is now leading the Golden Boot race, having netted an astonishing 7 goals in just 3 matches. His consistency and lethal finishing have set a new benchmark for strikers across the competition.

In the second match of the day, Tseminyu and Meluri played an emotional conclusion to their Dr. T. Ao Trophy campaign with Tseminyu defeating Meluri 3-1, a fixture that will be remembered as the legendary forward Yhunshalo Kemp hangs his boots from district-level championships. Kemp, who led his side as captain one last time signed off his illustrious district-level career with a match-winning brace that encapsulated his enduring class and leadership.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Meluri struck first in the match when Yithachu found the net in the 27th minute, briefly putting Tseminyu on the back foot. However, Yhunshalo Kemp, captaining Tseminyu in his final match representing the district, equalized in the 40th minute with a composed finish.

He then doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute, underlining why he remains one of the region’s most respected forwards. Khiti Kath added a third goal in the 58th minute, ensuring Tseminyu closed out their tournament on a high.

The match also marked the final appearance for both Meluri and Tseminyu in this edition of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy, drawing the curtain on an unforgettable chapter.

After the match, Kemp was given an emotional guard of honour by his teammates, the opposition team Meluri, and also team Niuland, who gathered together to display a heartfelt gesture of respect and camaraderie.

Meanwhile, in a high-tempo encounter in the third match of the day, Niuland secured a vital 2-1 victory over Zunheboto. Niuland asserted themselves early, while Zunheboto fought hard to find a way back, ultimately falling short despite a spirited second-half response.

Niuland took a commanding lead before the halftime whistle—Apeto broke the deadlock in the 29th minute of the first 35-minute half, and Kakhevi added a second goal right after the interval.

Zunheboto regrouped and pressed higher up the pitch, finally breaching the Niuland defense when Tohika slotted home a fine finish in the 61st minute. Despite throwing players forward in search of an equalizer, Zunheboto could not find a way past the resolute Niuland backline.

August 8 fixture:

Noklak vs Longleng (9 AM)

Mon vs Zunheboto (11 AM)

Dimapur vs Chümoukedima (1 PM)

Peren vs Kohima (3 PM)