Dr. T Ao Trophy: Wokha, Niuland, Phek, Mon secure wins as group stage concludes

KOHIMA — During the ongoing Dr. T Ao Trophy at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), Kohima, on Saturday, Wokha, Niuland, Phek, and Mon won their respective matches, drawing the group stage rounds to a close.

Wokha thrash Kiphire 4-0

Playing the first match of the day, Wokha wrapped up their group stage campaign with a 4-0 win over Kiphire on Saturday.

The opening goal was scored by Tsentselong in the 24th minute, and he doubled his tally in the 57th minute, putting Wokha firmly in control. The scoreline continued with another goal from Yisanbemo in the 58th minute for Wokha’s third.

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To further their control, Zaremo struck from inside the box in the 69th minute, sealing another goal for Wokha and proving their strong dominance with a clean sheet against the Kiphire squad.

Niuland oust Tuensang 3-2

In the second match of the day, Niuland outplayed Tuensang in a thrilling encounter with a 3-2 victory.

In just the 15th minute of the game, Kakhevi found the net for Niuland, while Toka doubled Niuland's advantage in the 38th minute.

However, that did not prove enough to command the game, as it remained a closely contested match. After the breather, Tuensang’s sensational scorer of the tournament, Ayemnongba, struck in the 44th minute, providing relief for the team and marking him as the tournament’s top scorer with 8 goals.

In the second half, Niuland’s Torito scored an own goal in the 51st minute, allowing Tuensang to draw level at 2-2. In the 70’+6 minute, Hivika scored for Niuland, securing the win.

Phek win against Mokokchung 3-0

In a dominating game, Phek defeated Mokokchung 3-0. Johny opened the scoring for Phek in the 32nd minute. In first-half injury time (45’+1 minute), Veluta drove the ball past the keeper to give Phek a two-goal cushion before the break.

Mokokchung attempted a fightback in the second half, but Phek’s defensive wall stood unshaken. Then, in the 59th minute, Shovelo delivered the third goal to seal the win.

The match was not without drama, as Veluta received a caution in the 59th minute for a fiery challenge, while Mokokchung’s Sentimongba found himself in the referee’s book in the 43rd minute.

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The hard press needed for Phek to qualify for the knockout stage with a four-goal lead in the match against Mokokchung fell short of another goal. Whereas for Mokokchung, despite the loss, they secured their place in the knockout stage—leaving Phek with a bittersweet victory.

Mon outplay Shamator with 3-1

Playing the fourth match of the day, Apong netted Shamator’s first goal of the tournament in the 15th minute. However, the lead did not last long, as Mon’s response came when K Arap equalised in the 45’+2 minute.

After the break, Laiwang struck in the 47th minute, turning the tide completely. Even as Shamator pushed forward in desperation, gaps opened up, and Arap scored again in the 60th minute, doubling his tally and putting the result beyond doubt.

During the match, Solen from Shamator was the first to be cautioned, receiving a yellow card in the 4th minute in the early part of the game.

Mon’s 3–1 victory in the match also sealed their qualification to the knockout rounds.