Kiphire vs Wokha
Dr T Ao Trophy: Group stages end as knockouts begin Monday
Hivika’s last min winner for Niuland, heartbreak for Phek
Morung Express News
Kohima | August 9
The group stage of the Dr T Ao Trophy concluded on August 9 with four matches that showcased attacking masterclasses, emotional finales and knockout stage dreams decided in the dying minutes. From Wokha’s four-goal display to Niuland’s stoppage-time winner, the day offered no shortage of drama before the final whistle.
With the day’s results, Mon, Niuland and Mokokchung progressed to the knockout stage, while Phek, Shamator, Kiphire and Tuensang bowed out.
Wokha power past Kiphire
Wokha wrapped up their group stage campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a 4-0 win over Kiphire. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Tsentselong (Jersey No. 9) broke free and finished clinically. He doubled his tally in the 57th minute to put Wokha firmly in control. The floodgates opened further a minute later, with Yisanbemo (No. 8) slotting home the third goal in the 58th minute. The final nail came in the 69th minute when Zaremo (No. 13) struck from inside the box.
Despite the scoreline, Kiphire fought until the final whistle, but Wokha’s defensive discipline ensured a clean sheet.
Niuland triumph in a last-breath thriller
If football is a stage, then Match 26 between Niuland and Tuensang delivered a performance worthy of a standing ovation. Niuland entered needing a win to advance, while Tuensang’s hopes depended on either a win or a draw. The tension from the opening whistle was palpable.
Niuland struck first in the 15th minute when Kakhevi (No. 7) found the net, setting the tone for a fierce contest. In the 38th minute, Toka (No. 10) doubled Niuland’s advantage with a composed strike, sending their supporters into frenzy. Tuensang struck back immediately after the halftime break — Ayemnongba (No. 7) scored in the 44th minute, breathing new life into the contest and taking his tally to eight goals, making him the current tournament top scorer.
The match turned in the 51st minute when Niuland’s Torito (No. 6) scored an own goal, bringing Tuensang level at 2–2 and setting up a tense final stretch. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time, at 70’+6, when Hivika (No. 16) unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box — a goal that silenced Tuensang’s loudest voices and sent Niuland into wild celebrations.
More than a thousand spectators witnessed the match live, while countless others followed from afar. Cautions were issued to Yongkhong (No. 13, 56’) of Tuensang, and Toka (30’), Ito (50’), Hivika (56’) and coach Kivilu (65’) of Niuland.
Phek falls short despite win
Phek delivered a commanding performance, defeating Mokokchung 3-0. From the first whistle, Phek’s intent was clear — they came not just to win, but to dominate. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Johny (No. 11) capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the opener. In first-half stoppage time (35’+1), Veluta (No. 5) drove the ball past the keeper to double the lead. Mokokchung attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, but in the 59th minute, Shovelo (No. 15) struck the third goal, putting the result beyond doubt.
The match carried its share of physicality, with Veluta (59’) of Phek and Sentimongba (43’) of Mokokchung both receiving yellow cards. Phek needed four goals to qualify for the knockout stage but managed only three, resulting in Mokokchung advancing despite the heavy defeat. For Phek, the final whistle brought a bittersweet victory — dominant on the day, but not enough to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Mon storm into knockout stage
Mon overcame an early scare to defeat Shamator 3-1 and secure their place in the knockout stage. Shamator stunned the home crowd in the 15th minute when Apong (No. 14) scored their first goal of the tournament with a powerful header. Mon equalised in first-half stoppage time (35’+2) through K. Arap (No. 15). Just after the break, in the 47th minute, Laiwang (No. 7) turned the match in Mon’s favour, and Arap struck again in the 60th minute to seal the win.
Solen (No. 23) of Shamator received a yellow card in the 4th minute, reflecting the physical start to the match. Mon’s supporters turned the stadium into a wall of sound, celebrating every pass and tackle as their side marched into the knockouts. Shamator, despite the loss, will remember the pride of finally finding the back of the net in this campaign.
