Mon, Zunheboto advance to Dr T Ao Trophy semi-finals

Mokokchung, October 23 (MExN): Mon and Zunheboto advanced to the semi-finals of the 25th Dr T. Ao Inter-District Football Championship, the Silver Jubilee Edition, after securing contrasting victories in the first two quarter-finals at the Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma in Mokokchung on October 23.Mon defeated Longleng 4–2 in the opening quarter-final, while Zunheboto edged past Kohima 2–1 in the second match.Dominant Mon defeats Longleng 4-2Mon produced a dominant second-half display to overcome Longleng and become the first team to secure a semi-final berth.After a goalless first half, Eshong Konyak broke the deadlock in the 49th minute before scoring again in the 63rd minute to complete his brace.Tingshak Konyak extended Mon's lead in the 67th minute, while L. Nyamnyei added the fourth goal two minutes later to put the team firmly in control at 4–0.Longleng mounted a late fightback, with Henpang scoring in the 76th minute before B. Mantong found the net in the 90+1st minute. However, Mon held on to win 4–2 and book their place in the semi-finals.Mon's L. Nyamnyei and David received yellow cards in the 50th and 52nd minutes, respectively, while Longleng's Ongkum was booked in the 43rd minute.The match was patronised by N. Chuba Phom, District Planning Officer, Mokokchung. Zunheboto outplays Kohima 2-1Zunheboto secured the second semi-final berth with a hard-fought victory over Kohima, courtesy of Hikupu's decisive goal in the 92nd minute.Kohima took the lead in the 33rd minute through Noulevituo and maintained their advantage until the second half.Zunheboto responded after the break, with Mangholen equalising in the 51st minute to bring the match level at 1–1.With both teams competing for a place in the semi-finals, the contest remained closely fought until Hikupu struck in the 92nd minute, during the first half of extra time, to seal a dramatic 2–1 victory for Zunheboto.The win ended Kohima's campaign in the Silver Jubilee Edition of the tournament.Kohima's Radovei received a yellow card in the 102nd minute of extra time, while Zunheboto's Atopu was booked in the 105th minute.The match was patronised by Imtitoshi, Commandant, 12th NAP IR, Chingtok, Longleng.Next quarter-final fixturesThe quarter-final stage will continue on October 24, with two more matches scheduled to determine the remaining semi-finalists.In the third quarter-final, Wokha will face Peren at 4 pm. The match will be patronised by Temsupongla, Senior Treasury Officer, Mokokchung.The fourth quarter-final will see Phek take on Tuensang at 7 pm, with Imkumniba Kichu, Councillor of the Mokokchung Municipal Council, patronising the match.With Mon and Zunheboto already through to the semi-finals, Wokha, Peren, Phek and Tuensang will compete for the remaining two places in the tournament's last four.