MOKOKCHUNG, OCT 22 (NPN): Longleng, Kohima, Dimapur and Zunheboto registered victories in their respective matches as the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy—Inter-District Football Championship 2026 progressed towards the knockout stage.
Longleng defeated Tseminyu 3–0 in Match No. 25, with Phongnyei opening the scoring in the 35th minute.
Yahoktenba doubled the lead in the 58th minute before Shahhong sealed the victory with a third goal at 70+5 minutes. Mantong of Longleng received a yellow card at 70+3 minutes.
In Match No. 26, Kohima cruised to a 3–0 win over Shamator. Noulevituo gave Kohima the lead in the 24th minute, followed by Kevizakie’s goal two minutes later.
Zasevituo added the third in the 62nd minute to complete the victory. Kohima’s Atenjenba and Kezhaletuo received yellow cards in the 40th and 48th minutes, respectively.
Dimapur defeated Noklak 2–0 in Match No. 27, with both goals coming in the second half. Noklensunep broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, while Lungneuying sealed the win at 70+5 minutes.
Yichithung of Dimapur was listed under match incidents at 70+3 minutes, though the nature of the incident was not specified. Despite the victory, Dimapur failed to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Zunheboto overcame Kiphire 3–1 in Match No. 28. Tohika put Zunheboto ahead in the 18th minute before Hikupu extended the lead in the 43rd minute.
Puyeto made it 3–0 in the 64th minute, while Idalungbe pulled one back for Kiphire in the 68th minute. Zunheboto held on to secure the win.
Imnatoshi leads Golden Boot race: Imnatoshi of Mokokchung continued to lead the Golden Boot race with six goals in the tournament so far.
Friday’s quarter-final fixtures
The tournament enters the knockout stage on Friday with two quarter-final matches scheduled.
Quarter-final 1
Match: Mon vs Longleng
Kick-off: 3 p.m.
Match patron: N. Chuba Phom, District Planning Officer, Mokokchung, Nagaland
Quarter-final 2
Match: Kohima vs Zunheboto
Kick-off: 6 p.m.
Match patron: Imtitoshi, Commandant, 12th NAP IR, Chingtok, Longleng
With places in the semi-finals at stake, the two encounters are expected to provide intense competition as the remaining teams vie for the Dr. T. Ao Trophy title.
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