Noklak beat Kiphire 6-1 in the Dr. T Ao Trophy as Mon, Phek and Peren also registered victories.
UNGMA — Noklak registered a commanding 6-1 victory over Kiphire, with Longkhoi scoring a hat-trick, while Mon, Phek and Peren also secured wins in the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy (Inter-District Football Championship) 2026 at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Monday.
Noklak took the lead in the 13th minute through Nengpao before Longkhoi doubled the advantage in the 20th minute. Kiphire opened their goal account in the 38th minute through an own goal by Payio.
Longkhoi continued his impressive display in the second half, scoring in the 42nd and 64th minutes to complete his hat-trick. Muthiu added another in the 60th minute, while Thangsoi found the net in the 62nd minute as Noklak overwhelmed their opponents.
Kiphire's afternoon was further complicated by casualties involving Idalungbe in the 32nd minute and Manwang in first-half stoppage time at 35+2 minutes.
In another match, Mon secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Zunheboto, with Nokwang scoring twice.
Mon made a flying start, with Nokwang opening the scoring in the first minute before Eshong doubled the lead just a minute later. The two early goals put Mon firmly in control and left Zunheboto with an uphill task.
Mon maintained their advantage throughout the first half and added a third goal through Nokwang at 35+2 minutes, giving him a brace and extending Mon's lead to three goals.
David completed the scoring in the 60th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory for Mon. Zunheboto's Hiuke received a yellow card in the 17th minute.
Meanwhile, Phek claimed an entertaining 4-2 victory over Niuland, with Shovelo scoring twice to help his side secure the win.
Phek established control early, with Shovelo opening the scoring in the 14th minute. Eneibe extended the advantage in the 28th minute, giving Phek a two-goal cushion heading into the latter stages of the first half.
Niuland mounted a second-half response, with Hekato reducing the deficit in the 55th minute before Toka equalised just a minute later. The quick succession of goals brought Niuland back into contention and set up a tense finish.
However, Phek responded strongly. Shovelo restored their lead in the 67th minute with his second goal of the match before Sieketou added another at 70+3 minutes to seal the 4-2 victory.
Phek's Weliso and Kunuzo received yellow cards in the 7th and 44th minutes, respectively.
In another encounter, Peren secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Chümoukedima, overturning an early deficit to claim the win.
Chümoukedima took the lead in the 15th minute through Lunmingou, giving their side an early advantage. Peren responded six minutes later, with Khiuwangbo finding the net in the 21st minute to level the score at 1-1.
Both teams continued to compete for the decisive goal, but it was Peren who eventually broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. Lungpetsing scored to put Peren ahead for the first time in the match, giving them a crucial advantage in the closing stages.
Peren held firm to protect their lead until the final whistle, completing the comeback and securing the victory. Khiuwangbo received a yellow card in the 52nd minute.
Tuesday, October 20, matches
Dimapur vs Kiphire at 8:00 am
Mon vs Noklak at 10:30 am
Tuensang vs Wokha at 4:00 pm
Mokokchung vs Meluri at 6:30 pm