Kohima delivered a commanding performance in Match 10 of the Dr T Ao Trophy 2025, defeating Meluri 5–1 in a one-sided encounter at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Tuesday morning.
From the opening whistle, Kohima took control with high-intensity pressing and crisp, attacking football. Their efforts paid off early when Kevizakie found the net in the 6th minute, setting the tone for what would become a goal-laden display. Nisede doubled the lead in the 15th minute before captain Kevisanyü Peseyie took centre stage.
Kevisanyü, who orchestrated play with composure and authority, struck twice (first in the 19th minute and again in first-half stoppage time) to hand Kohima a 4–0 lead at the break. His midfield dominance and clinical finishing earned him the distinction of the match’s standout performer.
Meluri managed to pull one back in the second half, with Asie scoring in the 47th minute. However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Kohima responded swiftly through Thejasetuo in the 50th minute, sealing the final scoreline at 5–1.
The match saw no disciplinary cards issued, and Kohima’s superior ball control and attacking depth proved too much for Meluri.
With this emphatic win, Kohima not only secured three points but also improved their goal difference significantly, a factor that could prove crucial as the tournament progresses. Kohima had earlier defeated Tseminyu 3–0 in the inaugural match of the tournament and is now all but safely through to the quarterfinals from Group D.
The other favourite to qualify for the next round from Group D is Peren, who also won their first match against Meluri with a 4–1 scoreline. With two losses in a row, Meluri are virtually out of the competition, although they still have a match against Tseminyu, the other team in Group D. Meluri, however, will take courage from the fact that they managed to score against stronger teams like Kohima and Peren, and will look to play for pride against Tseminyu on August 7.
Tseminyu, meanwhile, may have lost their opening game against Kohima but still has a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals if they manage to win both of their remaining games against Peren and Meluri.
