Players of Chümoukedima (Blue) and Dimapur (Orange) in action at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on April 23.
Mokokchung, April 23 (MExN): Debutant Niuland District Football Association stunned Tuensang District Football Association with 2-0 to register themselves in the quarterfinal round of the ongoing Dr T Ao Football Tournament in Group B, at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on April 23.
A goal from Mughapu in the 26th minute and Hevika in the 44th minute registered a comprehensive win for Niuland team. Tonaka the goalkeeper of Niuland was the man of the match making some crucial saves which proved to be decisive for the team.
Tuensang team had their mammoth share to equalize but luck wasn’t on their side as they failed to beat passed the keeper.
Niuland have now won back to back to register six points which is enough for the qualifications. The fate of the group winner will be decided between Mon and Kiphire match.
Mon defeats Kiphire 4-1
Mon District Football Association defeated Kiphire District Football Association 4-1 in their last league match to enter the quarterfinal round and top the Group B table.
In their league matches, Mon have won twice and a draw tallying 7 points.
In a one side match, Mon started aggressively and the team opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Shamba Samson, Tingyek Konyak added a second in 19 minute through a long range kick.
The second half saw Panteih Konyak scoring in the 37th minute and Eshong Konyak adding the fourth in the 62 minute.
A consolation goal was scored by Clement in the 67th minute for the Kiphire team but it was all over for the team.
The defeat means Kiphire are now out of the tournament, failing to win any match.
Phek defeats Wokha 2-0
Football Association Phek District defeated Wokha District Football Association by 2-0 in the third match.
In a high pressure match with both teams needing to secure a win to progress through the next round, they gave it all on their field but the match belonged to defending champs Phek who were able to penetrate and break the defensive lines rattling the formation of the Wokha team every now and then.
Over three matches, Phek had grown into the game showing much maturity but their finishing remained undone. With their forwards Khwetelhi Thopi, Rhithso Mero and Johnny Ritse falling to convert their chances.
It was their captain Khwetelhi Thopi who found the much needed goal in the 14 minute of the match to bring much relief for the defending team.
Muluyi Medeo the substitute came in and made an impact for the team scoring his first goal for the team in the 58th minute.
Phek needing to win by a better goal margin to qualify fought tooth and nail to get more goals but couldn’t break through as the match ended in 2-0. The Wokha team with the defeat ends their stage in the tournament with a win and two defeats. With the win, Phek will now enter the quarterfinal of the tournament as the runners up for Group A.
Dimapur beats Chümoukedima 1-0
Dimapur District Football Association defeated Chümoukedima District Football Association by a solitary goal.
They remained unbeaten and their winning streak continued with three games in a row and progressed through the quarterfinal round as Group A leaders. Toka’s stunning long range goal in the 1st minute was enough to secure a victory for Dimapur team.
It was a must win for Chümoukedima team to enter the quarterfinal round but in a lackluster game, they failed to live up to the game that they deserved to be in the next round.
The team failed to produce much opportunity ending their saga in the tournament without a win, two losses and a draw for the debutant team.
The best chance for Chümoukedima came in the 60th minute when their forward Limakumzuk penalty was saved by Dimapur goalkeeper Homuka. The game was dominated by Dimapur and Chümoukedima didn’t their best game to progress through. Their toothless strikers failed to beat the defensive line ending in a frustrated loss for the team.
But their defeat allowed the Phek team to progress into the next round of the tournament.
Benrithung of Dimapur and M Lenpan Konyak of Chümoukedima cautioned with a yellow card
In the quarterfinal round, Dimapur District Football Association will play against Niuland District Football Association, while Phek District Football Association will play against Mon District Football Association on April 26.
Matches for April 25
Mokokchung vs Zunheboto: 9:00 am
Kohima vs Tseminyu: 11:10 am
Peren vs Longleng: 1:30 pm
Noklak vs Shamator: 3:30 pm
