MOKOKCHUNG, Oct 25: Peren cruised into the semi-finals with a 3–0 victory over Wokha, while Tuensang staged a stunning comeback from three goals down to beat Phek in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of the ongoing inter-district football championship in Kohima on October 24.
Peren sealed a comfortable win in the first quarter-final, while Tuensang held their nerve to prevail 3–1 in the penalty shootout after an enthralling contest ended 3–3 following regulation time and extra time.
In the opening match, both sides created scoring opportunities but failed to break the deadlock in the first half. Peren eventually took the lead in the 57th minute through Chingthaipou, before Kenumdi doubled the advantage in the 67th minute.
Jangguanglung then delivered a well-placed cross for Rangliakam, who headed home in the 84th minute to complete Peren’s 3–0 victory.
However, the match was marred by controversy after Wokha protested an alleged offside in the build-up to a goal. The dispute, along with unrest among Wokha supporters, resulted in a stoppage of nearly an hour, delaying the start of the second quarter-final.
The second match provided the day’s biggest drama, with Tuensang overturning a three-goal deficit to force extra time before edging past Phek in the penalty shootout.
Phek took the lead in the 26th minute when Shovelo scored from a free-kick following an error by the Tuensang goalkeeper. Captain Kunuzo extended the lead in the 33rd minute, and Ponyi Khusoh added a third in the 42nd minute to put Phek firmly in control.
Tuensang began their fightback through Yemlongchaba in the 39th minute, before Sentisang struck in the 78th minute to reduce the deficit. Sentisang scored again in the 89th minute, capitalising on an error by the Phek goalkeeper to draw Tuensang level at 3–3 and force extra time.
Neither side managed to find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest into a penalty shootout. Tuensang converted their chances to win 3–1 and book their place in the semi-finals. The aggregate score, including the shootout, was recorded as 6–4.
In the upcoming fixtures, Mon will face Peren on October 25 at 5 pm, while Zunheboto will take on Tuensang on October 27.
The championship now moves into the semi-final stage, with the remaining teams battling for a place in the final.
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