Wokha bounced back from their earlier defeat to Mokokchung with a thrilling 3-2 win over Phek in Match 16 of the Dr T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2025, held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Having lost 1-3 in their previous outing, Wokha, led by goalkeeper and captain James Kithan, entered the match with urgency and intent. Their aggressive pressing and fast-paced transitions paid off early, leaving Phek scrambling to cope.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Yisanbemo finished off a sweeping team move to put Wokha ahead. With momentum firmly in their grasp, Wokha doubled the lead right after the restart through Tsentselong, who capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 46th minute. The third goal came in the 61st minute, as Renjamo latched onto a deft pass from full-back Lironthung and coolly slotted the ball home, sending the Wokha supporters into a frenzy.
But the contest was far from over. Phek’s substitute Veporayi turned the tide momentarily with a sensational brace in the 66th and 70th minutes, offering a glimmer of hope for a comeback. However, Wokha held firm and saw out the remaining minutes with composure, shutting down any further comeback attempts.
The result means Wokha and Phek are now level on three points each from two matches in Group C. Mokokchung currently lead the group with six points from two wins.
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The final group matches on August 9 promise high drama, with all four teams still in mathematical contention for a spot in the knockout stage. Wokha will face Kiphire, while Phek take on group leaders Mokokchung on the same day. Mokokchung need only a draw to seal the top spot, but a loss could throw the group into a tiebreaker scenario based on goal difference. Wokha will be aiming for a big win over Kiphire to strengthen their case, while Kiphire could sneak through if they beat Wokha convincingly and Mokokchung defeat Phek. If Phek defeat Mokokchung and Wokha overcome Kiphire, the group winners would also be decided on goal difference.
The Group C race is wide open, and all eyes will be on August 9 as the teams battle for a place in the quarterfinals.
