Longleng, Kohima, Dimapur and Zunheboto record wins in the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2026 in Mokokchung.
UNGMA — Longleng, Kohima, Dimapur and Zunheboto registered victories in their respective matches of the 25th Dr. T Ao Trophy (Inter-District Football Championship) 2026 at Renpu Lu Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Thursday.
Longleng defeated Tseminyu 3-0 in a match that remained closely contested during the first half, with both sides looking for a breakthrough.
Longleng eventually took the lead through Phongnyei in the 35th minute, carrying a narrow advantage into the second half. Longleng extended their lead after the break, with Yahoktenba finding the net in the 58th minute.
As Tseminyu attempted to respond, Longleng maintained their advantage and added a third goal through Shahhong at 70+5 minutes, sealing a 3-0 victory.
Mantong of Longleng received a yellow card at 70+3 minutes during the closing stages. Longleng's finishing and defensive performance ensured a clean sheet against Tseminyu.
In another match, Kohima secured a 3-0 victory over Shamator.
Kohima took the lead in the 24th minute through Noulevituo, who scored the opening goal. Just two minutes later, Kevizakie doubled the advantage in the 26th minute, putting Kohima in control before the interval.
Shamator attempted to get back into the contest in the second half, but Kohima maintained their defensive shape and continued to threaten going forward.
Zasevituo added the third goal in the 62nd minute, putting the result beyond Shamator's reach.
Kohima's Atenjenba received a yellow card in the 40th minute, followed by Kezhaletuo in the 48th minute.
With three goals and a clean sheet, Kohima completed a 3-0 victory and strengthened their position heading into the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Dimapur defeated Noklak 2-0, scoring twice in the second half to settle a closely contested encounter.
After a goalless first half, Dimapur broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Noklensunep, giving his side the lead.
Noklak attempted to respond, but Dimapur held firm defensively and continued to search for another goal.
The second goal came at 70+5 minutes, when Lungneuying found the back of the net to seal the victory for Dimapur.
Yichithung of Dimapur was listed under match incidents at 70+3 minutes, although the nature of the incident was not specified.
Dimapur's ability to find the breakthrough after the interval and maintain their advantage in the closing stages proved decisive as they secured a clean-sheet victory. However, despite the win, Dimapur failed to qualify for the quarter-finals.
In another encounter, Zunheboto secured a 3-1 victory over Kiphire.
Zunheboto took the lead in the 18th minute through Tohika, giving his side an early advantage. They extended their lead through Hikupu in the 43rd minute, putting Zunheboto in a strong position before the interval.
Puyeto added a third goal in the 64th minute, giving Zunheboto a three-goal cushion.
Kiphire responded four minutes later, with Idalungbe scoring in the 68th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
Despite Kiphire's late efforts, Zunheboto maintained their advantage until the final whistle to secure the victory.
Quarter-final fixtures
The tournament will move into the knockout stage on Friday, October 23, with two quarter-final encounters scheduled.
The first quarter-final will see Mon take on Longleng at 3 pm. N Chuba Phom, District Planning Officer, Mokokchung, Nagaland, will be the Match Patron.
The second quarter-final will feature Kohima against Zunheboto at 6 pm. Imtitoshi, Commandant, 12 NAP IR, Chingtok, Longleng, will be the Match Patron.