Dr T Ao Trophy 2026 – Matchday 5: Kohima seal quarterfinal berth as Phek join knockout stage
Thujosa scores tournament’s fastest goal; Tseminyu keep qualification hopes alive
Kohima registered the biggest win of the day with a 5–0 thrashing of Longleng, while Tseminyu came from behind to beat Shamator 2–1 and Phek defeated Chümoukedima 3–1 on the fifth day of the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2026 at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, on October 17.
Niuland and Peren shared the points after playing out a 1–1 draw in the day’s final match. The four matches produced 14 goals, with Phek’s Thujosa making headlines by scoring the tournament’s fastest goal in the opening minute.
Kohima dominate Longleng 5–0
Kohima produced a commanding performance to defeat Longleng 5–0, scoring five goals in a dominant attacking display and securing a quarterfinal berth from Group B with one match to spare in the group stage.
Longleng conceded an own goal through Yinglemoikup in the 24th minute, giving Kohima the lead. Petevizo doubled the advantage a minute later before Noulevituo scored in first-half stoppage time.
Just after the break, Kevizakie added Kohima’s fourth in the 37th minute, and Noulevituo completed his brace two minutes later to seal the emphatic victory. Conceding five goals without scoring against Kohima proved costly for Longleng, as the result placed them below Tseminyu in the points table on goal difference. This could contribute to their early exit from the tournament.
Several players were booked during the encounter, including Kohima’s Petevizo and Longleng’s M Konglang, Kekhrievor Kitshü, L Chingmei and Kevizolie Kin.
Group B qualification scenarios
Kohima now sit at the top of Group B with six points. Tseminyu and Longleng have three points each, while Shamator sit at the bottom without a point. All four teams have played two matches each, with the final round of group-stage matches scheduled for October 22.
With two wins from two matches, Kohima have already qualified, although they will look to maintain their perfect record when they play Shamator on October 22. However, if Shamator manage an upset win, the group winner will be determined by the result of the other match between Longleng and Tseminyu on the same day. A draw would take Kohima to seven points and secure them the top spot in the group. Shamator, already eliminated after two losses, will play for pride, as they cannot qualify for the next stage even if they beat Kohima.
Meanwhile, the match between Longleng and Tseminyu is one to look out for. It will be a do-or-die encounter for both sides, as the winner will qualify for the quarterfinals while the loser will be eliminated. A draw would see Tseminyu advance on superior goal difference.
Thujosa scores tournament’s fastest goal as Phek beat Chümoukedima
Phek defeated Chümoukedima 3–1 in a match highlighted by Thujosa’s first-minute strike, recorded as the tournament’s fastest goal, as they booked their place in the quarterfinals from Group D.
Phek made a flying start, with Thujosa finding the net in the opening minute before Eneibe doubled the lead in the sixth minute.
Chümoukedima pulled one back through Gangchui in the 28th minute, keeping the contest alive. Phek, however, maintained their advantage, with Shovelo scoring in the second minute of stoppage time at 70+2 to seal the 3–1 win.
Phek’s Vaporayi received a yellow card in the 18th minute.
After two rounds of group-stage matches, Phek sit at the top of the table with a perfect six points, while Niuland are in second place with two points from two games. Chümoukedima and Peren are at the bottom with one point each.
Niuland and Peren share points
Niuland and Peren settled for a 1–1 draw after both teams scored in a closely contested encounter.
Peren took the lead in the seventh minute through Gaichuipou, putting Niuland on the back foot early in the match. Niuland responded in the 30th minute when Kanoto scored the equaliser.
Neither side managed to find a winner despite efforts to break the deadlock, and the match ended with the points shared. Niuland’s Hekato received a yellow card in the 58th minute.
Group D qualification scenarios
The final round of group-stage matches in the ‘Group of Death’ will be played on October 19, with the group still wide open. While Phek have already qualified for the next round, all three remaining teams have a chance to advance. Niuland will face table-toppers Phek, while Chümoukedima and Peren will battle it out for a quarterfinal berth.
Niuland, who reached the final in the previous edition before losing to eventual champions Mon on penalties, must beat 2019 champions Phek, who have already qualified for the knockout stage. Should the match end in a draw, Niuland would have three points, and their fate would depend on the result of the other Group D match between Chümoukedima and Peren, who have one point each. If both matches end in draws, Niuland will qualify. However, if Niuland draw while either Chümoukedima or Peren win their match, the winner of that encounter will advance.
Niuland will therefore be looking for a straightforward win to secure their place in the next round, while Chümoukedima and Peren will hope that Niuland lose to improve their own chances of qualifying.
Tseminyu fight back to beat Shamator
Tseminyu secured a 2–1 win over Shamator after recovering from an equaliser to claim all three points.
Tseminyu took the lead in the seventh minute through Solen Yim’s own goal. Shamator drew level in the 32nd minute when M Yimso converted a penalty.
The contest remained evenly poised until the 57th minute, when Adan scored to restore Tseminyu’s lead. Tseminyu held on for the remainder of the match to secure the win. Anyele Tep of Tseminyu was booked in the 32nd minute.
Tseminyu will next face Longleng on October 20. Although Tseminyu will be looking to beat Longleng and hoping Shamator upset Kohima to give them a chance to top the group, they would still qualify if they manage to earn a point against Longleng. However, a loss would allow Longleng to advance to the next round.
October 19 Fixtures
Group A
Kiphire Vs Noklak – 08:00 AM
Mon Vs Zunheboto – 10:30 AM
Group D
Niuland Vs Phek – 04: 00 PM
Chümoukedima Vs Peren – 06:30 PM
