DIMAPUR, OCT 21 (NPN): The 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy – Inter-District Football Championship 2026 witnessed a series of high-scoring encounters, dramatic finishes and late goals, with Dimapur and Kiphire playing out a remarkable 7–7 draw, Mon staging a second-half comeback to beat Noklak 2–1, Wokha edging Tuensang 1–0 and Mokokchung thrashing Meluri 8–1.
In Match No. 21, Dimapur and Kiphire produced one of the most entertaining encounters of the tournament, sharing 14 goals in an extraordinary 7–7 draw. Both teams displayed attacking intent throughout the match, with neither side managing to secure a decisive advantage.
Dimapur opened the scoring through Lungneuying in the 15th minute, but Kiphire responded two minutes later when Iteibabe converted a penalty. Chingao restored Dimapur’s lead in the 18th minute before Vituna converted another penalty in the 21st minute. Temsemeren added to the tally in the 28th minute, while Chingao completed his brace in the 30th minute.
Kiphire continued to fight back, with Namduanbo scoring twice in the 32nd and 43rd minutes for Dimapur, while Yotsase found the net at 35+3 minutes and Haominlal scored in the 41st minute to keep Kiphire in contention.
The second half proved equally eventful. Ongpha converted a penalty in the 52nd minute, followed by goals from Mankam in the 63rd minute and Bei in the 66th minute as Kiphire mounted a determined comeback. Idalungbe then scored at 70+2 minutes to complete the comeback and secure a share of the points in a thrilling 7–7 draw.
Both teams recorded 50 per cent possession. Dimapur registered 13 shots, including 11 on target, while Kiphire managed 11 attempts, seven of which were on target.
In Match No. 22, Mon came from behind to defeat Noklak 2–1 after a decisive second-half performance. Noklak took an early lead through Longkhoi in the fifth minute and maintained the advantage for much of the match. However, Mon found the equaliser through David in the 62nd minute before Pangteih struck three minutes later to complete the turnaround and hand Mon a 2–1 victory. Mon enjoyed 55 per cent possession and recorded 15 shots, with eight on target, compared to Noklak’s 11 attempts, four of which were on target. Eshong and Pangteih of Mon received yellow cards in the 46th and 66th minutes, respectively. In Match No. 23, Wokha secured a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory over Tuensang, with Yibenthung scoring the decisive goal at 70+4 minutes. The contest remained closely fought, with Tuensang enjoying considerable possession and creating several opportunities. Despite dominating 70 per cent of possession and registering 14 shots, including 11 on target, Tuensang failed to find the breakthrough.
Wokha capitalised on a late opportunity when Yibenthung struck in stoppage time to seal the win. Saronbemo of Wokha received a yellow card at 70+5 minutes as the match concluded. In Match No. 24, Mokokchung delivered a dominant attacking performance to defeat Meluri 8–1, with Imnatoshi producing an outstanding five-goal display.
Mokokchung took the lead through Moajang in the fifth minute before Imnatoshi took control of the contest, scoring in the 35th, 37th and 42nd minutes to complete a first-half hat-trick. He continued his remarkable run after the break with goals in the 52nd and 53rd minutes, finishing the match with five goals. Takotoba further strengthened Mokokchung’s advantage with strikes in the 62nd and 70+3 minutes. Meluri managed a late consolation through Türhüchu at 70+3 minutes, but it did little to alter the outcome as Mokokchung secured a comprehensive 8–1 victory.
Mokokchung dominated possession with 70 per cent and registered 17 shots, including 13 on target, while Meluri managed seven attempts, with two on target.
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