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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 27 (EMN): Two-time champions Mizoram and Sikkim entered the final of the ongoing 9th edition of North East Dr. T Ao Trophy after defeating their rivals in their respective semi-final matches at the IG Stadium in Kohima on Monday, Jan. 27.
The two teams will lock horns with each other in the grand finale of the nine-day football extravaganza organised by the government of Nagaland in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association and government of India.
Mizoram edged out host Nagaland 2-1 in a tightly contested first semi-final match played in front of a capacity crowd.
Although Nagaland took the lead through striker Rhithso Mero in the 18th minute, Mizoram staged a spirited comeback through Lalchungnunga Chhangte who headed home the much-needed equaliser in the 42nd minute.
After the break, Mizoram slotted home the winning goal through Malsawmfela off David Lalrinmuana's corner in the 50th minute.
Home team Nagaland fought hard but striker Rhithso Mero's solo effort in the dying moments landed straight into the safe hands of custodian Lalmuansanga.
In the second semi-final match, last-minute goals from substitute Milan Chettri helped two-time runners-up Sikkim beat Arunachal Pradesh to enter the final.
Fighting for the final berth, Arunachal Pradesh got a golden opportunity when Sonam Bhutia handed the ball inside the box following which the referee awarded a penalty kick in the 32nd minute. However, goalkeeper Urgen Pintso Sherpa denied R D Karma's spot-kick.
Sikkim took the lead through Kintup Ongpo Lachunpa in the 59th minute. But soon, Arunachal Pradesh gained momentum and levelled the score through Tapi Hakhe in the 78th minute.
In the stipulated allotted time of 90 minutes play, the match ended in a 1-1 draw so an extra time of 15 minutes was added to the game.
During the second half extra time of 7 minutes and 30 seconds, Milan Chettri netted two quick goals and the match ended 3-1 in favour of Sikkim.
DGP Nagaland T John Longkumer and Deputy Speaker NLA Sharingain Longkumer attended the first and second semi-final matches respectively as the match patrons.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will attend the grand finale of the North East Dr. T Ao Trophy as the special guest on Tuesday.
The closing ceremony of the grand finale will begin at 3 pm while the final match will kick off at 5 pm.
Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh will vie for the third position at 10 am.
A total cash prize of INR 22, 85, 000 have been set aside for the eight-day tournament organised by the government of Nagaland wherein the champions will walk away with INR 10,00,000 and runners-up with INR 6,00,000 .
The trophy is being organised in rotation wise by the eight Northeastern states in memory and honour of the legendary footballer Dr. Talimeren Ao who was given the captain's armband in 1948 to lead the Indian Football Team in London.
The Dr. T Ao Trophy is also organised in commemoration of the 100th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Talimeren Ao.