Peren and Tuensang secured the final two semi-final spots in the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition, with contrasting quarter-final victories at the Renpo Lu Astro Turf, Ungma, Mokokchung.
Peren defeated Wokha 3-0, while Tuensang fought back to draw 3–3 with Phek before winning 3–1 in the penalty shootout.
Peren pull away in second half to beat Wokha 3-0, enter semi-finals
Peren produced a strong second-half performance to defeat Wokha 3-0 and advance to the semi-finals after the teams remained goalless at half-time.
Peren captain Khiuwangbo delivered a powerful left-footed free kick in the 58th minute, which the Wokha goalkeeper Mhatemo punched away. However, the ball remained in the danger area and, following a scramble, Chingthaipou hammered it into the top of the net to break the deadlock.
Kenumdi doubled Peren’s lead in the 67th minute, converting from a corner kick taken by Khiuwangbo. Following the goal, Wokha players appealed to the match officials for an offside decision, while some Wokha supporters threw water bottles onto the field from the stands, briefly halting play.
After the match resumed, Rangliakam sealed the win for Peren in the 83rd minute, heading home a cross from the left wing to make it 3-0.
Peren’s Nrakhak received a yellow card in the 29th minute, while Lungpetsing was booked in the 88th minute.
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Tuensang edge Phek on penalties to seal final Dr T Ao Trophy semi-final spot
Tuensang claimed the last remaining semi-final slot after fighting back to draw 3-3 with Phek before winning the penalty shootout 3-1 in a thrilling quarter-final encounter.
Phek took the lead in the 25th minute when Shovelo’s curling free kick slipped through Tuensang goalkeeper Imtikumzuk’s hands and into the net.
Phek doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute through captain Kunuzo, who tapped in the rebound after the goalkeeper initially blocked Eneibe’s powerful close-range strike. Eneibe had found space following a strong build-up.
Tuensang pulled one back in the 39th minute when Yemlongchaba headed home a free kick delivered by captain Ayenmongba from the left flank, catching the Phek defence off guard.
Phek restored their two-goal cushion just two minutes later. Eneibe delivered a free kick from the right flank into the danger area. Vebizo failed to make clean contact with his header, and the ball fell to Ponyi, who tapped it into an open goal in the 41st minute.
Tuensang mounted a second-half fightback, with substitute Sentisang heading home in the 78th minute from a delivery by Namang from the left flank.
In the 89th minute, Phek goalkeeper Nutso failed to collect a long-range effort from Kutu cleanly, allowing the ball to rebound off his chest. Bashang reacted quickly to slot it home and level the score at 3-3, forcing extra time.
Neither side managed to score in extra time, sending the match into a penalty shootout. Tuensang held their nerve, converting three penalties against Phek’s one to book their place in the semi-finals.
Phek’s Eneibe was booked in the 31st minute. Tuensang’s Tsalichem and Relithong received yellow cards in the 11th and 31st minutes, respectively, while Ayenmongba was booked in the 81st minute.
Semi-final fixtures confirmed
With the quarter-finals concluded, the semi-final line-up is complete. Mon will face Peren in the first semi-final, while Zunheboto will take on Tuensang in the second.
