Mon, Zunheboto enter Dr T Ao Trophy semi-finals

UNGMA — Mon and Zunheboto advanced to the semi-finals of the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship, the silver jubilee edition, with victories over Longleng and Kohima respectively at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, on Friday.

Mon became the first team to secure a semi-final berth with a 4–2 win over Longleng, scoring four goals in a dominant spell after the break.

After a goalless first half, Eshong Konyak opened the scoring in the 49th minute and doubled Mon’s lead in the 63rd to complete his brace. Tingshak Konyak made it 3–0 in the 67th minute before L Nyamnyei added the fourth two minutes later.

Longleng mounted a late response, with Henpang scoring in the 76th minute and B Mantong finding the net in stoppage time, but Mon held on for a 4–2 victory.

Mon’s L Nyamnyei and David were booked in the 50th and 52nd minutes respectively, while Longleng’s Ongkum received a yellow card in the 43rd minute. The match was patronised by N Chuba Phom, District Planning Officer, Mokokchung.

In the second quarter-final, Zunheboto edged Kohima 2–1, with Hikupu scoring the winner in the first half of extra time.

Kohima took the lead through Noulevituo in the 33rd minute and went into the break ahead. Zunheboto drew level through Mangholen in the 51st minute, setting up a closely contested finish.

With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match went into extra time. Hikupu struck in the 92nd minute to give Zunheboto the decisive advantage and send the team into the semi-finals.