Dr. T Ao Trophy 2025: Tuensang, Tseminyu, and Niuland secure wins

KOHIMA — Tuensang, Tseminyu, and Niuland clinched crucial wins on Thursday in the ongoing Dr. T Ao Trophy at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

In match 18, Tuensang won 6-0 against Shamator. Eleven minutes into the match, Dongehanglen scored the first goal, and ten minutes later, Bapen doubled the advantage with a composed finish.

The star of the match, Ayenmongba, scored the third and fourth goals in the 30th and 31st minutes before halftime. Namang added the fifth in the 42nd minute, and Ayenmongba completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute.

After Thursday’s match, Ayenmongba of Tuensang is now leading the Golden Boot race, having netted an astonishing seven goals in just three matches.

Also read: Dr. T Ao Trophy 2025: Peren, Zunheboto, Wokha and Dimapur register wins

In match 19, Tseminyu emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Meluri. The match also marked the farewell of legendary forward Yhunshalo Kemp from district-level championships. Kemp, who led his side as captain one last time, signed off his illustrious district-level career with a match-winning brace.

During the match, Meluri scored first when Yithachu found the net in the 27th minute. However, Yhunshalo Kemp equalised in the 40th minute. In the second half, the captain scored his second goal in the 52nd minute. Khiti Kath added the third goal in the 58th minute, ensuring Tseminyu’s win.

Before the match kickoff between Tseminyu and Meluri, Yhunshalo Kemp was felicitated by Cenonlo Woch, vice president of the Football Association Tseminyu District, on behalf of the association, in recognition of his extraordinary service to district football.

After the match, Kemp was given an emotional guard of honour by his teammates, the opposition team Meluri, and Team Niuland, who all gathered to display a heartfelt gesture of respect and camaraderie.

The match also marked the final appearance for both Meluri and Tseminyu in this edition of the Dr. T Ao Trophy.

In match 20 of the championship, Niuland secured a vital 2-1 victory over Zunheboto in a high-tempo encounter.

Niuland took the lead before halftime, with Apeto scoring the first goal in the 29th minute and Kakhevi scoring the second in the 36th minute. In the second half, Zunheboto scored their first goal in the 61st minute but failed to equalise.

August 8 matches (Friday)

Match 21: Noklak vs Longleng (9 am)

Match 22: Mon vs Zunheboto (11 am)

Match 23: Dimapur vs Chümoukedima (1 pm)

Match 24: Peren vs Wokha (3 pm)