The second day of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2025 saw a mix of comebacks and commanding wins, with one drawn encounter and three decisive wins at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on Saturday.
Defending champions Tuensang were held to a draw by a spirited Mon side, while Chümoukedima, Mokokchung, and Peren recorded impressive victories.
The day’s opening fixture saw Mon take an early lead against Tuensang through K. Arap in the 22nd minute. However, Tuensang salvaged a point in added time with a well-taken equalizer by S. Ayenmongba in the 70+1st minute. Mon picked up three yellow cards in a tense closing phase, including bookings for Tingshak, Manyem Konyak, and Arap.
In the second match, Chümoukedima managed a narrow 1–0 win over Longleng. The decisive goal came early, with Katoho finding the net in the 8th minute. Despite late pressure from Longleng, Chümoukedima held firm to earn a clean sheet and all three points.
In the third match of the day, Mokokchung launched their campaign with an impressive 3–1 victory over Wokha, all four goals coming in the second half of the match. Sentilong opened the scoring for Mokokchung after the restart in the 46th minute, but Wokha responded positively with Saronbemo equalizing in the 64th minute before Takotuba (70’) and Meyasenba (70+3’) struck late to seal the win for Mokokchung.
The fourth match of the day saw Peren come from behind to overwhelm Meluri 4–1. Yithachu gave Meluri an 18th-minute lead, but Peren stormed back with two goals apiece from Nrakhak (41’, 66’) and Kenumdi (47’, 50’) to claim a dominant victory.
As the group stage heats up, Saturday’s results have added further intrigue to the tournament table.
