Kakhevi Assumi (blue jersey) taking a shot against Football Association Phek District (red jersey) during the first match of Dr T Ao Trophy 2022 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. (Photo: NFA Media Team)
Players of Mon (white) and Niuland (blue) in action during the third match of the ongoing Dr T Ao Trophy in Mokokchung on April 19. (Photo: NFA Media Team)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 19
The Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) cause a big upset today in the inaugural match of the Inter-District Football Championship Dr T Ao Trophy 2022, edging defending champions Football Association Phek District (FAPD) by a solitary goal in a thrilling Group A encounter.
Kakhevi Assumi scored in the 46th minute to register three points for Dimapur team here at at Imkongmeren Sports complex, Mokokchung.
Despite dominating the game, the Phek team was unable to break through, with striker Rhitsho Mero blowing two golden chances.
The Phek squad made a misstep when Assumi got hold of a loose ball in the second half and fired the ball into the net, winning the game.
However, defending champs Phek still have two matches to qualify for the quarter finals.
In the second match, Chümoukedima District Football Association (CDFA) lost 1-0 against Wokha District. In the second half, Wokha's Mhabemo Kikon scored during the injury time.
Despite multiple opportunities, debutant squad CDFA was unable to defeat a defensive side. Lironthung Lotha, a Round Glass FC player, captaining the Wokha team, led his team to a goalless draw and did their homework by keeping the Chümou players at bay.
Kikon's brilliant goal gave Wokha the lead in the 71st minute.
The CDFA squad had to take responsibility for their failure to win the game as they wasted opportunities to break through the defensive line.
A line-up that included notable players such as Mathew Kezhose, Limakumzuk Ao, Asito Krose, and Temjenwati Longkumer failed to gel as they were toothless in their finishing and missed their goal-scoring chances. Meribemo Ezung, Wokha's goalkeeper, made several incredible saves and helping the team win three points.
In the third match, Mon District Football Association (MDFA) defeated debutant Niuland District Football Association by 3-1.
Mon team overcame debutant team in the encounter thanks to goals from Laiwang Bohham Konyak, Monton, and Shamba Samson T Konyak. Tinshak Konyak scored an own goal in injury time to make it 3-1 at the final whistle.
Laiwang, who plays for Delhi FC, displayed his class by scoring in the fourth minute of the state tournament. His game was marred by an injury, which forced him to leave the field before the first half.
Substitute Monton scored in the 47th minute of the second half, and Shamba added the third goal in the 65th minute.
An own goal from Tinshak in the injury time helped the debutant Niuland team ‘score’ their first goal in the tournament. In the match, a caution was given to Langphong Konyak of Mon district for unsporting behaviour.
Tuensang District Football Association outclassed Kiphire District Football Association by 4-1 in the last match of the day.
Mongko scored a brace in a one-sided affair, while Longkhoi and Hangle Chang each added a goal for Tuensang.Tongsebi scored a penalty in the 53rd minute, but it was merely a consolation goal for Kiphire.
Tuensang's team should have scored more goals to increase their lead in league games, but they were unable to complete the game. In the 64th minute, their player S.Kamei also missed a penalty.
Tuensang's striker mobility and shot accuracy needs to be improved if they advance to the next round to prove their worth as a tournament contender.
Day I Results
Dimapur 1 - 0 Phek
Wokha 1 - 0 Chümoukedima
Mon 3 - 1 Niuland
Tuensang 4 - 1 Kiphire
April 20 Matches
Peren Vs Noklak @9 am
Shamator Vs Longleng @11 am
Zunheboto Vs Tseminyu @1:30 pm
Kohima Vs Mokokchung @3:30 pm
