As the ongoing Dr. T Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025 resumed on Monday at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium in capital Kohima, Niuland, Dimapur, Phek and Tuensang teams exhibited definitive skills to register wins.
In the first match of the day, Niuland delivered an emphatic statement of intent, thrashing Shamator 9-0 in a one-sided encounter that showcased their ruthless attacking prowess and tactical discipline.
Niuland asserted dominance right from the first whistle with its striker Apeto finding the net within 17 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest goal of the tournament.
By halftime, Niuland had raced to an unassailable lead, with the forward line cutting through Shamator’s defense at will.
Apeto led the charge for Niuland with a phenomenal four-goal haul while Kakhevi pulled an impressive hat-trick. Adding to the relentless assault, Tori and Honoto netted a goal each to seal a 9-0 rout at full time. Niuland’s tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and swift ball circulation left Shamator chasing shadows for much of the contest.
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In the second match, Dimapur secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Noklak with a decisive first-half strike from Mangkholen that proved the difference in an otherwise evenly contested affair.
Both teams started cautiously, sizing each other up in a tense opening spell. Noklak focused on maintaining defensive shape while Dimapur gradually took control of possession, probing for openings with patient build-up play.
The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute, when Mangkholen capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting home clinically to hand Dimapur the lead.
Despite Noklak’s feisty attempts to equalize in the second half, Dimapur’s defense held firm, repelling a series of late attacks to preserve a precious clean sheet and claim all three points.
Dimapur’s tactical discipline and composure under pressure were key to their narrow win.
In the day’s third match, Phek overcame a fierce Kiphire side 2-1 in an action-packed match that featured three goals, five cards, and relentless intensity from start to finish.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both teams determined to seize control early. Kiphire struck first blood in the 22nd minute when Longtibi found the net in a swift attack.
Phek responded almost immediately, leveling through Kunuzo just four minutes later with a composed finish inside the box. The momentum then swung decisively in Phek’s favor after halftime, with Eneibe scoring the eventual winner in the 57th minute following sustained pressure and clever buildup play.
While Kiphire pushed hard for an equalizer, their efforts were frustrated by resolute defending and a series of cautions that disrupted their rhythm. The feisty encounter saw five players booked and one sent off- one from Phek, and four from Kiphire. Kiphire’s Abo’s dismissal in the 61st minute left the team to play the entire second half a man down.
Despite a promising start and having scored the opening goal, Kiphire were ultimately undone by ill-discipline and numerical disadvantage.
The final match of the day witnessed a strong comeback from the defending champions Tuensang after having drawn its last match with Mon. On Monday, playing their second match in the league round, Tuensang maintained an impressive form with a convincing 3-0 win over Zunheboto, fueled by Ayenmongba’s outstanding hat-trick.
The remarkable performance propelled Ayenmongba to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts, matching Apeto’s four goals.
The contest began evenly, with Zunheboto showing good energy and organization in the opening exchanges. However, the deadlock was broken in the 36th minute, when Ayenmongba rose above the defense to nod home a crucial header to put Tuensang ahead.
Shortly after halftime, Ayenmongba struck again in the 46th minute with a beautiful Puskas worthy bicycle kick, doubling the advantage and denying the hopes of opponent Zunheboto. He completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, capping a dominant individual display that sealed all three points for Tuensang.
Zunheboto were unable to muster a response, struggling to penetrate Tuensang’s disciplined defensive line.
Tuensang’s performance was marked by ruthless efficiency in the final third and excellent defensive discipline. The understanding between their midfield and attacking lines ensured sustained pressure extinguishing any hopes of a Zunheboto comeback.
Day-4 (August 5) fixture:
Meluri vs Kohima – 9 AM
Chümoukedima vs Noklak- 11 AM
Kiphire vs Mokokchung – 1 PM
Mon vs Niuland- 3 PM
