North East Dr T Ao Trophy 2020: Group A topper Nagaland to face Mizoram in semis

North East Dr T Ao Trophy 2020

North East Dr T Ao Trophy 2020

The match between Sikkim and Mizoram on January 25. (Morung Photo)
 

Sikkim tops Group B setting up semi final date with Arunachal

•    Live Streaming and commentary on tournament website as well as on AIR Kohima, FM Tragopan from semis
•    Venue declared plastic-free zone

 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 25


Meghalaya drubbed Assam 8-1 and a resurgent Sikkim edged Mizoram 2-1 in the last Group B games of the North-East Dr T Ao Trophy 2020 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on January 25. 


Meghalaya made amends for lackluster efforts in its first 2 games dominating Assam throughout the match. 


Meghalaya opened the scoring through a spot kick successfully converted by Samuel J L Kynshi in the 18th minute. It was not long before Shano Tariang extended the lead in the 23rd. 


The third goal came soon after the break in the 46th through Dawanchwa Carlos Challam. The fourth (Kynshi), fifth and sixth came in quick succession three minutes apart each with Challam completing a hattrick with the other two. 


Kynshi also joined Challam in the hattrick club scoring the seventh in the 70th minute. 


Assam found consolation in the 74th minute through a brilliant effort from Tupu Brahma but Meghalaya extended the lead through Stephanson Pala 9 minutes to the whistle. 


The thumping win however was not enough for Meghalaya to stay on in the tournament having won only 1 of its 3 group matches. It drew 1-1 with Sikkim and lost to Mizoram 6-0. 


The other group game was a must win for Sikkim as Mizoram was comfortably placed in the points table with two wins and 11 goals in total, while conceding none. Sikkim scored early in the first half through Sonam Tshering Bhutia (17th) and Dawa Sherpa (20th). Mizoram’s 46th minute goal heightened the anxiety for Sikkim but Mizoram could not consolidate.  


Meghalaya and Sikkim with a win and a draw each were jostling for second place in the group. With the win over Mizoram, Sikkim topped Group B to make it to the semis. 


In goal scoring, Nagaland’s Rhitsho Mero and Khwetelhi Thopi lead with 7 and 6 strikes, respectively. Arunachal Pradesh’s Avinash Kharel and Charu Lalum followed with 5 each so far. 


Host Nagaland will face Mizoram in the first semi-final at 2:00 pm on January 27 followed by Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh at 4:30 pm at the IG Stadium. 


The third place play-off will take place on January 28 at 10:00 am. The final match has been scheduled for 5:00 pm the same day.


Live match updates and all other details of the tournament can be viewed at https://drtaotrophy.nagaland.gov.in.


The venue has been declared ‘Plastic Free Zone’ as such the organizers has appealed the public to kindly cooperate.


Live commentary will be incorporated in the Live Streaming from the semi finals onward, the organiser informed. 


In addition, there will be Live broadcast commentary on All India Radio Kohima, FM Tragopan 103 Mhz and all other FM relays set up in Nagaland. The Live commentary is sponsored by Dr. T Ao Trophy 2020.
 


Transportation


Bus services will be available throughout the matches plying to and from High School Junction and IG Stadium starting from 1:00 pm. Lerie, Paramedical, PR hill and Chandmari-AG will be the drop off points for spectators returning after the games.  


Traffic Regulations 


As huge turnouts are expected on January 27 and 28 and to ensure hassle free traffic for spectators, the Superintendent of Police informed that Kohima Police will be enforcing the following traffic regulations: Only vehicles having car passes ‘Z’ and ‘Y’ will be allowed to enter Gate No. 1 of the IG Stadium; vehicles without car passes will be allowed to enter Gate No. 2 and park their vehicles at the designated parking space; no vehicles will be allowed to park by the road side from Govt. Polytechnic College gate to Gate No.2 of IG Stadium on match days.


While stating that defaulting vehicles will be towed away, it requested commuters and the public in general to cooperate with the Kohima Traffic Police.

 

Exhibition match on January 26


Meanwhile, as a part of the celebrations of the 71st Republic Day, the Government of Nagaland is organizing an Exhibition Match between the Organizing Committee of the tournament and the Department of Youth Resources & Sports at 4:00 pm, January 26.


K. Kire, IPS(Retd) former DGP Nagaland will be the match patron.