Defending champions Mon retained the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship title after beating Tuensang 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the Silver Jubilee final at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, on Thursday.
In a tense final that went into extra time, Mon took an early lead in the 10th minute through an own goal by Tuensang left-back Namang. The move began with Tingshak finding left winger Pangteih, who beat right-back Bongcheli before sending a volley into the danger area. Striker Eshong Konyak missed his attempted header, but the ball struck Namang and bounced into the unguarded net.
Pangteih continued to trouble Tuensang’s defence from the left flank, while Tuensang sought a way back into the contest. Central midfielder Bupen Yimjong was substituted just five minutes into the match.
Tuensang’s persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute. Building from their own half, the team worked the ball forward before Bongcheli delivered a cross from the right side of the box. Ayenmongba rose to head the ball past Mon goalkeeper Teihom Konyak, restoring parity and forcing extra time. Neither side found a winner in the additional period.
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Mon then held their nerve in the shootout, with Teihom emerging as the decisive figure. After Eshong converted Mon’s opening kick, Teihom saved Ayenmongba’s attempt and then produced an acrobatic stop to deny Bongcheli. Tuensang goalkeeper Imtikumzuk, whose penalty-saving heroics had helped his team win both their quarter-final and semi-final shootouts to reach the final, saved Nahpan’s kick but could not prevent Mon from prevailing. Nyamnyei calmly slotted home the decisive penalty to seal Mon’s 4-2 win, ending Tuensang’s hopes of a third consecutive shootout victory.
Tuensang had the statistical edge, registering 24 shots to Mon’s nine, including 13 on target against Mon’s five. Both teams won nine corners, while Tuensang earned 13 free kicks to Mon’s none but failed to turn their set-piece opportunities into goals. Tuensang made some timely interceptions but were let down by misplaced passes, while striker Sentisang had chances to score but failed to convert.
The victory completed Mon’s successful title defence, with the champions finishing the 25th edition of the tournament unbeaten. Chümoukedima District Football Association will host the next edition.
Individual Awards
Golden Boot: Imnatoshi (Mokokchung)
Golden Ball: Eshong Konyak (Mon)
Golden Glove: Imtikumzuk (Tuensang)
Best Defender: Haokhohen (Peren)
Best Midfielder: Mughahuto (Zunheboto)
