Phek staged a comeback to defeat Peren 4-1, Longleng registered an identical win over Shamator, and Kohima beat neighbours Tseminyu 4-2, while Niuland and Chümoukedima shared the points in a 2-2 draw on the third day of the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Trophy 2026 at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on October 15.
The four matches produced 20 goals, with Kohima’s Kevizakie scoring a hat-trick to become the third player to achieve the feat in the tournament’s opening three days.
In the first match of the day, Niuland and Chümoukedima played out an entertaining draw in their Group D encounter, with both teams twice taking the lead or restoring parity.
Niuland captain Kakhevi opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but Chümoukedima responded almost immediately through Vikedo Ratsa, who converted a penalty in the seventh minute. Chümoukedima moved ahead through Visalie in the 49th minute, only for Niuland’s Thulunso to convert another penalty in the 58th minute to make it 2-2. Neither side could find a winner despite Niuland enjoying 60% possession and registering 17 shots, including 10 on target.
Phek produced the day’s most convincing comeback in the second Group D match, recovering from an early deficit to defeat Peren 4-1. Peren took the lead through Keyisiebe in the sixth minute, but Vaporayi equalised in the 27th minute. Metshetsho then put Phek ahead in first-half stoppage time before Vebizo extended the lead in the 68th minute. Thujosa added the fourth in the 73rd minute to complete the comeback and secure all three points.
In Group B, Longleng overcame Shamator 4-1 with a composed attacking display. B Mantong opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and Shepa B doubled Longleng’s advantage in the 32nd. Shamator reduced the deficit through Tsulunkhiung shortly after the restart, but Yahoktenba restored Longleng’s two-goal cushion in the 55th minute. I Phongnyei converted a penalty in the 67th minute to seal the win.
Kohima rounded off the day with a 4-2 win over Tseminyu in a six-goal Group B encounter, led by Kevizakie’s hat-trick. Noulevituo gave Kohima the lead in first-half stoppage time, before Kevizakie struck in the 41st minute to make it 2-0. Tseminyu fought back through Nyithong in the 57th minute, but Kevizakie restored Kohima’s two-goal advantage in the 65th. Adan pulled another goal back for Tseminyu a minute later, keeping the contest alive until Kevizakie completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute to seal the victory.
October 16 Fixtures
The tournament continues on Friday, October 16, with four matches scheduled at Renpo Lu Sports Complex. Meluri will face Wokha at 7:30 am, followed by Tuensang against hosts Mokokchung at 10 am. Zunheboto will take on Dimapur at 12:30 pm, while Mon will meet Kiphire in the final match at 3 pm.