Mokokchung will meet Mon in the semifinals after defeating Peren 5-4 on penalties in the third quarterfinal match of the Dr T Ao Trophy 2025 on Tuesday. Mokokchung came from behind twice to equalize, with the match ending 2-2 at the end of regulation and extra time.
Mokokchung had topped Group C despite losing their last group match to Phek 0-3. Coming into the quarterfinal after that heavy defeat, they regained their composure to fend off one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Despite missing their defensive stronghold Alemmongba, who was injured during a practice session, and left forward Meyasenba, who had to be substituted in the first half due to injury, Mokokchung remained composed.
Last year’s finalists Peren looked strong as expected and drew first blood when their marquee striker Nrakhak scored in the 32nd minute, tapping the ball in with his right foot from a cross delivered by Peren skipper Kenumdi. In the 42nd minute, Mokokchung’s Takutoba won a penalty after being brought down by defender Swayibe, but Ngamsibo blocked the weak shot from Mokokchung skipper Sentilong.
Then, a throw-in from the left midfield saw Sentilong send a long ball deep to the right, where Tongpangnokdang calmly collected it and chipped over the advancing Peren goalkeeper to equalize in first-half stoppage time. The score remained 1-1 at the break.
Peren struck again early in the second half, Nrakhak completing his brace in the 50th minute. However, nimble forward Takutoba found the net in the 64th minute to equalize for Mokokchung for the second time.
The score remained 2-2 in regulation time, forcing 15 minutes of extra time, which also ended in a stalemate. Mokokchung made a tactical move in the dying minutes by substituting the injured goalie Medemmar with penalty specialist Imtisashi. Peren took the first spot kick, but their second shooter sent the ball wide, the only miss in the shootout. All of Mokokchung’s penalty takers — Imnasunep, Sentilong, Akumnungba, Merangtemjen and Tongpangnokdang — converted their kicks.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times after the match, team manager Yimya Jamir said that although the squad consists mainly of youngsters, they had undergone a two-month coaching and training camp before the tournament and were well integrated. While their league-stage performance was not up to the mark, he was satisfied with their display against Peren.
With no big names in Nagaland football in the squad, the manager praised the players’ sacrifice and spirit. Injuries to two first-team players have been a concern, but he expressed optimism ahead of facing Mon in the semifinals tomorrow, adding that yellow-carded players from today’s match would be available. He also revealed that they had predicted a semifinal clash with Mon after the fixtures were drawn but had not expected to meet Peren in the quarterfinals as they were expected to top Group D. He added that the players’ fitness level was at its peak thanks to two months of training, and acknowledged both luck and God’s providence in their progress so far.
It may be recalled that Mokokchung lost to Mon in the quarterfinals of last year’s edition in Tuensang, where Mon’s Dangal scored the only goal in the 88th minute. Mon is yet to win the trophy but has shown strong intent in recent years, while Mokokchung, a multiple-time champion in the early years, is aiming for a comeback.
Mokokchung showed impressive resilience despite their loss to Phek, managing to top Group C. For more updates and to stay engaged with exciting apps, check out the plinko application. It’s commendable how they bounced back in the quarterfinal, especially without key players like Alemmongba and Meyasenba. Their composure under pressure really made a difference against such a strong opponent. It’ll be interesting to see how they perform in the next rounds!