Tuensang captain returns to the final two years after scoring the winning goal
Azhove Resu Kohima | 28 October
Two years after scoring the winning goal in Tuensang’s Dr T Ao Trophy triumph, S. Ayenmongba Chang will lead the district into Thursday’s final against Mon, this time as captain.
“I am proud to be the captain. It has been a privilege to represent the district and hold this honour. It is a big responsibility for me,” Ayenmongba told Mokokchung Times in an exclusive interview ahead of the final.
Tuensang defeated Peren 2–1 in the 2024 final, with Ayenmongba scoring the winner in first-half stoppage time. He was also named Best Player of the Tournament. In 2025, he claimed the Golden Boot with eight goals, although Tuensang failed to progress beyond the league stage.
This year, the 20-year-old is leading a young side that has fought its way into the final, overcoming Phek and Zunheboto through penalty shootouts in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively.
“This year, I didn’t have much expectations with a young team coming fresh to play the Golden Jubilee. But by God’s grace, we are able to reach the final,” he said.
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Tuensang began preparations in August. Ayenmongba credited his teammates for respecting his leadership and praised the coach for remaining calm and encouraging the team during difficult moments. He said a change in tactics at half-time helped Tuensang turn things around against Phek.
Standing between Tuensang and another title is defending champion Mon. While acknowledging the strength of their opponents, Ayenmongba remained confident.
“The Mon team is a very good team, but we are expecting to win,” he said.
Ayenmongba began playing football at the age of seven, encouraged by his father, M. Seboyemjong, who bought him his first boots and ball. He joined the State Sports Academy in Dimapur in 2023, where he spent about a year and a half before leaving for personal reasons. He later played for FC Banaras Baghpat in the 2025–26 I-League 3 season.
In the ongoing tournament, he scored a hat-trick in Tuensang’s 9–0 win over Meluri and assisted Sentisang’s opening goal against Zunheboto in the semi-final. He has scored four goals in the current campaign, according to available tournament records.
A fan of Mumbai City FC, Ayenmongba hopes to play for the club one day. For now, his immediate ambition is to lead Tuensang to another Dr T Ao Trophy title.
“I want to thank the fans for supporting us from the first day till date. Like you are supporting us, keep supporting us again since we are going to play the final match tomorrow,” he said.
