Hosts Mokokchung are on the brink of elimination from the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Trophy 2026 after collecting just one point from their first two Group C matches, leaving them with a difficult qualification equation ahead of their final league fixture on October 20.
All four teams in Group C have completed the second leg of the round-robin stage, with each having played two matches. The final round of group matches will be played on October 20.
Mokokchung began their campaign with a 3-3 draw against Wokha in the tournament’s inaugural match. However, they failed to build on that result, losing 1-2 to Tuensang on Friday despite taking the lead through Imnatoshi in the 26th minute. Tuensang turned the match around after the break, with Ayenmongba equalising in the 45th minute before Bichumli scored the winner in the 49th. Mokokchung centre-back Tongpangnungshi also missed a penalty with three minutes remaining in regulation time, and none of the forwards in the box could capitalise on the rebound after Tuensang goalkeeper Imtikumzuk initially blocked the spot-kick.
Mokokchung’s inability to protect leads, not once, not twice, not three times, but four times, has proved costly. They took the lead three times against Wokha but were pegged back on each occasion before surrendering their advantage against Tuensang. Their struggles to convert opportunities and maintain composure have left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. The shortcomings were evident in their inability to finish chances, organise defensively and hold on to leads, raising questions about the quality of coaching, exposure to higher levels of competition and overall technical ability.
To remain in contention, Mokokchung must defeat Meluri by at least 10 goals without conceding and then hope Tuensang beat Wokha. Even a 10-goal win may not be enough, as a draw between Wokha and Tuensang would eliminate the hosts.
Meluri, meanwhile, have become the first team to be eliminated. They have lost 0-9 to Tuensang and 0-8 to Wokha without scoring, and even a win over Mokokchung would leave them with only three points, below Tuensang’s six and Wokha’s four.
After today’s results, Tuensang has qualified for the quarterfinals, while Meluri has been eliminated from the competition. Although Mokokchung still has a mathematical chance of advancing to the next round, the task appears daunting. Wokha, meanwhile, needs only a draw against Tuensang to secure a quarterfinal berth.
The final Group C fixtures will therefore be crucial. Mokokchung must chase a record-breaking win, while Meluri will look to restore some pride. The meeting between Tuensang, champions of the 2024 edition, and Wokha will also be closely watched, with Tuensang aiming to maintain a perfect record and Wokha needing at least a point to secure a quarter-final place.