Tuensang beat Zunheboto 4-3 on penalties to set up a Dr. T Ao Trophy final against defending champions Mon.
UNGMA — Tuensang booked their place in the grand finale of the 25th Dr. T Ao Trophy (Inter-District Football Championship) after defeating Zunheboto 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the second semi-final at Rempo Lu Complex, Ungma, on Tuesday.
Tuensang goalkeeper Imti Kumzuk played a crucial role in the victory, making two saves during the penalty shootout to help his team secure a place in the final.
Tuensang striker Sentisang made an early impact, finding the back of the net in the 8th minute to give his side a 1-0 lead. Zunheboto found the equaliser through Ngukape in the 58th minute, bringing the score to 1-1.
Neither side could find a decisive goal before the final whistle, sending the semi-final into a penalty shootout. Tuensang held their nerve from the spot, winning 4-3 to secure their place in the final and bring Zunheboto's campaign to an end.
The match also saw yellow cards issued to Zunheboto's Mangholen in the 49th minute and Tuensang's Relithong in the 59th minute.
With the semi-finals concluded, Tuensang will take on defending champions Mon in the grand finale of the silver jubilee edition on October 29 from 4 pm onwards.
The match was preceded by a short programme attended by guest of honour Daochir I Imchen, Advisor for Information and Public Relations, Soil and Water Conservation.