Wokha thrash Meluri 8-0 as Tuensang beat Mokokchung, while Zunheboto and Mon also record victories in the Dr T. Ao Trophy
UNGMA — Wokha delivered an emphatic 8-0 demolition of Meluri, while Tuensang came from behind to beat Mokokchung 2-1 in the 25th Dr T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, on Thursday.
Zunheboto edged Dimapur 1-0, while Mon recovered from a goal down to defeat Kiphire 3-1 in the day’s other matches.
Wokha made their intentions clear early against Meluri, with Yibenthung opening the scoring in the 15th minute and Mhachio doubling the lead a minute later. Saronbemo added a third in the 34th minute to put Wokha firmly in control before the break.
The onslaught continued after half-time. Ekonthung scored in the 38th minute before Pibenthung made it 5-0 in the 43rd. Ekonthung then completed his hat-trick with goals in the 48th and 52nd minutes, while Pibenthung added his second in stoppage time (70+2) to complete the rout.
Wokha dominated the contest, registering 18 shots, 14 on target, and nine corners. Meluri managed 11 attempts, with three on target. Wokha now have four points from two matches, while Meluri will look to recover after successive defeats.
Tuensang, meanwhile, fought back in the second half to defeat Mokokchung 2-1. Imnatoshi put Mokokchung ahead in the 26th minute, and the hosts carried their lead into half-time.
Tuensang levelled immediately after the restart through Ayenmongba in the 45th minute. Four minutes later, Bichumli struck a volley to put Tuensang ahead.
Mokokchung had a chance to draw level when Lanutemsu was brought down in the box in the 67th minute. However, Tongpangnungshi’s penalty was saved by the Tuensang goalkeeper, preserving the visitors’ lead.
Tuensang, who had 55 per cent possession and eight corners, held on for their second consecutive victory. They now have six points in Group C, strengthening their position in the race for a knockout berth.
In another closely fought match, Atopu’s seventh-minute strike proved decisive as Zunheboto defeated Dimapur 1-0. Dimapur pressed for an equaliser and earned 10 corners but could not breach Zunheboto’s defence.
Dimapur finished with 17 shots, six on target, while Zunheboto managed 15 attempts, four on target. Zunheboto held 55 per cent possession to secure the win.
Mon completed the day’s action with a 3-1 victory over Kiphire after coming from behind. Yotsase gave Kiphire the lead in the 28th minute, but Echung equalised for Mon in first-half stoppage time (35+1).
L Nyamnyei put Mon ahead in the 37th minute before Nokwang sealed the win with a goal in the 70th minute.
Mon enjoyed 70 per cent possession and registered 13 shots, nine on target. Kiphire managed 16 attempts, seven on target, but could not make their chances count.
Saturday’s fixtures
8 am: Kohima vs Longleng
10.30 am: Tseminyu vs Shamator
4 pm: Phek vs Chümoukedima
6.30 pm: Niuland vs Peren