Defending champions Mon district booked their place in the final of the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition, with a 2-1 win over Peren in the first semi-final at Renpo Lu Astro Turf, Ungma, on Monday.
Eshong Konyak scored in the 30th and 86th minutes to secure Mon’s victory, avenging their 2-1 semi-final defeat to Peren in 2024 and keeping their title defence on course as they reached the Dr T Ao Trophy final for the third time. Mon first reached the final in 2022, when they lost 2-0 to Dimapur in Mokokchung.
Mon took the lead when Eshong unleashed a right-footed shot from around 30 yards that curled into the top-right corner beyond the reach of Peren goalkeeper Widambo. The champions carried their advantage into half-time, but Peren responded strongly after the break, enjoying greater possession and creating more chances.
Peren drew level in the 61st minute when Kenumdi delivered a well-placed cross from the right flank and Rangliakam rose above the Mon defence to head home.
With Peren looking increasingly threatening, Eshong struck again four minutes from full time. A deflected ball into Peren’s half fell favourably for the Mon forward, who volleyed it over the advancing Widambo to restore the champions’ lead. Mon held on to secure their place in the final.
The result also marked a turnaround from the 2024 semi-final, when Peren defeated Mon by the same scoreline, with Khiuwangbo Kaurinta scoring a dramatic injury-time winner.
Eshong’s performance continued a remarkable transformation from goalkeeper to attacking mainstay. Having played between the posts in earlier campaigns, including in 2024, he has become Mon’s leading goal threat this year.
With six goals and two assists in six matches, Eshong now leads the tournament’s Golden Boot race, moving ahead of Mokokchung’s Imnatoshi.
Mon have also progressed despite the absence of key players Arap, Manton and Laiwang, who were unavailable for selection due to other commitments. With Eshong in prolific form, the defending champions will now look to complete their title defence in the final on October 29.