Dr T Ao Trophy: Wins for Niuland, Dimapur, Phek and Tuensang

Dimapur vs Noklak

Sports

4th August 2025

Our correspondent
Kohima | August 4

Niuland, Dimapur, Phek, and Tuensang recorded victories in their respective matches on Monday at the ongoing Dr T Ao Trophy 2025 Inter-District Football Tournament at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here.

Niuland thrashed Shamator 9-0, with Apeto setting a new tournament record by scoring the fastest goal just 17 seconds after kickoff. He added three more goals in the 11th, 20th, and 58th minutes to complete a four-goal haul.

Kakhevi also registered a hat-trick, netting in the 10th, 17th, and 34th minutes. Tori (27’) and Honoto (39’) contributed to Niuland’s dominant win.

In a closely contested fixture, Dimapur edged past Noklak 1-0, with Mangkhole scoring the only goal in the 31st minute.

Phek came from behind to defeat Kiphire 2-1. Kiphire took an early lead through Longtibi in the 22nd minute, but Kunuzo equalised four minutes later, while Eneibe scored the winning goal in the 57th minute.

Defending champions Tuensang registered a commanding 3-0 win over Zunheboto in the ninth match of the tournament.

Ayenmongba was the star of the match, scoring all three goals in the 36th, 46th, and 69th minutes including a stunning bicycle kick — drewing loud cheers from the crowd with some spectators remarking it was worthy of a Puskás Award nomination.