“Feels like starting from nursery” — Meluri, Nagaland’s youngest district, finds debut journey challenging
Kohima delivered a commanding performance in Match 10 of the Dr T Ao Trophy 2025, defeating Meluri 5–1 in a one-sided encounter at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Tuesday morning.
From the opening whistle, Kohima took control with high-intensity pressing and crisp, attacking football. Their efforts paid off early when Kevizakie found the net in the 6th minute, setting the tone for what would become a goal-laden display. Nisede doubled the lead in the 15th minute before captain Kevisanyü Peseyie took centre stage.
Kevisanyü, who orchestrated play with composure and authority, struck twice (first in the 19th minute and again in first-half stoppage time) to hand Kohima a 4–0 lead at the break. His midfield dominance and clinical finishing earned him the distinction of the match’s standout performer.
Meluri managed to pull one back in the second half, with Asie scoring in the 47th minute. However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Kohima responded swiftly through Thejasetuo in the 50th minute, sealing the final scoreline at 5–1.
The match saw no disciplinary cards issued, and Kohima’s superior ball control and attacking depth proved too much for Meluri.
With this emphatic win, Kohima not only secured three points but also improved their goal difference significantly, a factor that could prove crucial as the tournament progresses. Kohima had earlier defeated Tseminyu 3–0 in the inaugural match of the tournament and is now all but safely through to the quarterfinals from Group D.
The other favourite to qualify for the next round from Group D is Peren, who also won their first match against Meluri with a 4–1 scoreline. With two losses in a row, Meluri are virtually out of the competition, although they still have a match against Tseminyu, the other team in Group D. Meluri, however, will take courage from the fact that they managed to score against stronger teams like Kohima and Peren, and will look to play for pride against Tseminyu on August 7.
Tseminyu, meanwhile, may have lost their opening game against Kohima but still has a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals if they manage to win both of their remaining games against Peren and Meluri.
The journey hasn’t been easy for the state’s youngest district
Meluri, Nagaland’s 17th and newest district, was notified on November 2, 2024, and is making its debut in the Dr T Ao Trophy under its own banner. Although previously part of Phek, a district known for its footballing pedigree, Meluri is still learning the ropes.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Wutsutho, Executive Member of the Football Association Meluri District (FAMD), said the entire journey has been “very challenging” for the new district.
“We have zero experience, zero knowledge, a new association, low budget… it feels like starting from nursery,” said Wutsutho.
Despite the losses, he said the experience has been valuable. “We learned many things—what documents to bring, what equipment to carry, and so many other things,” he said.
He admitted the team lacks basic resources. “We don’t have a licensed coach, no licensed referee. We have two experienced players who previously played for Phek,” he added.
Reflecting on the past, Wutsutho said many players from Meluri couldn’t participate in Phek district teams due to the long travel time, at least 5 to 6 hours, and lack of financial or logistical support.
“It’s not like Phek didn’t give us the opportunity. Even if they welcomed us, we couldn’t go there due to lack of financial resources and support from family, parents, or associations,” he said.
Now, as a newly formed district, Meluri is facing the reality of building from the ground up.
“We need our own president, our own players, our own team. It’s a big challenge and we are only now beginning to learn and experience it,” he said.
Despite the hurdles, Wutsutho shared that the team is happy and excited just to be participating.
“Even though we lost, the players are improving with every match. We’re optimistic about our next game against Tseminyu,” he said. “At the same time, since we are the youngest, everyone supports us so we are very happy”.
On the future of football in Meluri, he said that the biggest challenge is infrastructure and lack of facilities. However, he emphasized that “there should not be any excuse.”
As an executive member of the association, he assured that the FAMD will take development work seriously and sincerely.
Wutsutho previously served as a member of the Football Association Phek District (FAPD) before Meluri was declared a new district.
