Players from NFA XI and Host XI with the match officials. (Morung Photo)
TUENSANG, SEPTEMBER 26 (MExN): The 23rd Inter-District Football Championship, Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2024, saw Nagaland Football Association (NFA) XI secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Host District XI in an exhibition match at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf, Tuensang Town. The NFA, displaying finesse and strategic play, clinched the narrow win, keeping the crowd on its feet throughout the thrilling encounter.
In the day’s main event, the second semi-final clash between Peren and Mon was halted mid-game due to dense fog that enveloped the pitch, rendering visibility poor and gameplay hazardous. The match, which saw Mon take an early lead with a 1-0 scoreline, will resume at 7:00 a.m. on Sept. 27, with Mon set to maintain their advantage going into the final stretch. The winner will face Tuensang in what promises to be a fiercely contested final.
The match patron for the semi-final was Aronto, Private Secretary to the Minister of Roads & Bridges and Convenor of the 14th NLA PS, PA, PRO, and OSD Forum, Government of Nagaland.
With teams putting forth their best performances and the stakes climbing higher, the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2024 continues to capture the attention of football enthusiasts from across the state. Fans are eagerly awaiting the semi-final’s conclusion and the showdown in the finals, which could potentially see an underdog triumph against the more experienced squads.
The unpredictable weather has added an element of suspense, as organizers and teams alike remain on alert for any further disruptions. The fog delay is a reminder of the challenges athletes often face when playing in the region’s diverse climatic conditions, yet it has only heightened the anticipation for what’s to come.
