Reigning champs Phek falter on day one; Dimapur, Wokha, Mon, Tuensang register wins
Mokokchung | April 19, 2022
The much awaited Dr. T Ao Trophy Inter District Football Championship 2022 started here today with the inaugural match being played between defending champions Phek and strong title contenders Dimapur. The first day of the 10-day tournament saw four matches being played at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. There were no points shared on match day one as Dimapur, Wokha, Mon and Tuensang won their respective matches, pocketing all 3 points each from their games which will prove handy for them as the tournament progresses.
In the inaugural match of the tournament played between Phek and Dimapur of Group A, dubbed ‘Group of Death’ of the tournament, featuring former I-League players Khwetelhi Thopi captaining the Phek contingent and Kivi Zhimomi captaining the Dimapur side, it was the team from the commercial district that came out on top with a solidary goal.
46 minutes into a competitive game, Dimapur found the target as Pursunep Longkumer guided a beautiful volley past the Phek defense into the box which was clinically taken by Kakhevi Assumi to find the back of the net.
The defending champions struggled to dismantle the strong defense of Dimapur even as their custodian Homuka Yeputho made some crucial saves fired from Phek striker Rhitso Mero’s boots. Dimapur enjoyed a better ball possession but Phek made more shots in the match. However, Rhitsho Mero and Johnny Ritse were overpowered by the Kivi Zhimomi and Kakhevi Assumi duo who kept the Dimapur attack sharp and focused. Zhimomi and Assumi were also cautioned for unsporting behavior in the match which could hinder their performance in their next outing.
Phek started the match with a positive outlook and asked tough questions in the first half of the game but somehow lost the momentum after the break as Dimapur dominated the second half. Phek’s title defense campaign got off to the worst imaginable start but they can still redeem themselves in the next two matches. However, it might turn out to be easier said than done because they will next be facing Wokha and Chumoukedima, both equally strong teams.
Match II
The second match showcased Chumoukedima debuting as a district with a 4-3-3 formation but Wokha took all three points from the game, thanks to Mhabemo Kikon converting a fine assist from Yongsen Ao in the dying minutes of the game.
The debutants Chumoukedima were a better team in terms shots and corners won, creating much more chances and attempts on goal. They had a decent set piece making 15 shots with 7 of them on target, as well as winning 7 corners as opposed to Wokha’s 1. They had plenty of near misses as they kept pressing on against the resilient back of the Wokha side but unfortunately failed to break through the 4-4-2 sturdy defense of the Wokha team.
Lironthung Lotha led Wokha’s resolute defense strived hard and saved the day while Mhabemo’s moment of brilliance in the last minute of the game might just be what every team needs.
Chumoukedima line up with the likes of renowned players like Mathew Kezhose, Limakumzuk Ao, Asito Krose and Temjenwati Longkumer failed to combine themselves as they were toothless in their finishes and wasted their goal scoring opportunities.
Goalie Meribemo Ezung produced some massive saves for Wokha and must be glad with saving all three points for his team. M Lengpang Konyak of Chumu team was booked for foul play.
Also read: Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2022 inaugurated with grand opening ceremony
Match III
In the third match played between Group B teams, Mon team played some crazy good football as they kept the debutants Niuland confused and lost for a while but Niuland continued to fight back.
With an early goal at just 7 minutes into the game by Laiwang from a corner kick taken by skipper Tingnyek Konyak, the result of the game looked set. This was further confirmed when the second goal came through the boots of Monton in the 52nd minute.
However, Mon’s defense fizzled out in a counter attack by Niuland at the 70th minute and ended up conceding an own goal by Tingshan. However, Mon restored the lead with another goal from Samson at 70’+2 that sealed the game for Mon.
Niuland had a 4-4-2 strategy and Mon came in with a 4-3-2-1 formation, perfectly balancing the attack and keeping the game at midfield. Mon successfully kept Niuland busy at central mid and did not allow the team to make any progress towards the final third of the pitch.
Goalkeeper Ato of Niuland made a few decent saves from Mon’s long range stunners and direct attacks.
Niuland’s team had a game strategy of building it from the back, with major work to be done by the defensive mid. However, they failed to slice through the defense put up by an ‘under control’ Mon team.
Match IV
The last and final match of the day saw a rather one sided match as Tuensang thrashed Kiphire team. An offensive and sophisticated Tuensang team found no threat from a lackluster Kiphire as Mongko broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with Longkhoi sliding the second goal in the 33rd minute for Tuensang.
The Tuensang team, however, did not show any overconfidence and maintained their pace and discipline, and showed amazing sportsmanship as the coordination between the mid and forward synched magically.
Meanwhile, the Kiphire team that started with a 4-2-2-2 formation lost their ground after conceding the third goal that came from skipper Hanglen in the 47th minute.
Kiphire found a consolation goal by Tongsebi via a penalty kick but was too late for a comeback into the game. In fact, Mongko came back with another goal in the 52nd minute for Tuensang.
Tuensang team should have scored more goals to keep their goal difference advantage in the league matches round but were unable to. Their midfielder S.Kamei also failed to convert a spot kick in the 64th minute.
Should they progress into the next round, Tuensang team might want to strengthen their striker agility and accuracy to prove their worth as a title contender in the tournament.
The group stage matches of the tournament are being played in the 70-minute format as sanctioned by the Nagaland Football Association. Access tickets are available at the entry gates of the venue priced at Rs. 50. The matches are also livestreamed at SportsCast India Channel on YouTube.