Dr. T Ao Trophy: Dimapur to face Mon in final on Friday

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, April 27 (EMN):  Dimapur and Mon have entered the final of the Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Championship after defeating their respective opponents at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Wednesday.

Dimapur District Football Association defeated Peren District Football Association by a solitary goal to enter the final of the tournament.

It was a heart breaking moment for Peren team as they fought till the last minute but were frustrated by Dimapur defense, who are yet to concede a goal winning all five matches.

Dimapur got off to a better start in the first semifinal match as Kakhevi Assumi tormented Peren’s defenders but couldn’t find the back of the net. It was a moment of brilliance from Assumi, who crossed the ball to Pursunep to head the ball into the net in the 40th minute.

Peren got their chances to score but their strikers failed to register much of their shots on target, shooting the ball wide and off the goalpost with Ratobe N Poireng missing two golden opportunities.

At the end of the final whistle, Peren’s team had to contend as the losing semi finalist of the tournament.

Dimapur goalkeeper Humuka has been phenomenal for the team and is to be credited for the team’s performance.

Mon enter final via tiebreaker against Tseminyu

Mon District Football Association overcame debutant Football Association Tseminyu District 5-4 via a tie breaker after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. In a highly contested match, Mon delivered a spectacular game to give the visiting crowd they needed in a high tempo game.

In the first half, Mon dominated the match and broke the deadlock through their striker Laiwang Bohamm Konyak in the 29th minute. However that was not done yet as playmaker Sinenlo Kath scored a stunning long range kick in the 67th minute to draw the game.

Despite his goal, he had a match to forget as Tseminyu failed to build up their game into their play. He also missed the penalty during the crucial shootout bringing an end to their campaign.

Mon captain Tingnyek (Ating) Konyak produced one of his finest performances in the tournament to help the team through to the next round. His leadership quality and his ability to control the game brought much tempo and momentum for the team.

During a tense penalty shootout, Honon Konyak missed his first penalty for Mon but it was not over as Zeaneikho Miasalhou’s weak penalty was saved by Eshong Konyak in the third take for Tseminyu spotkick. Their playmaker Sinenlo Kath missed his penalty kick in the 6th spot kick as Pangtech Konyak scored, ending the game 5-4 in favour of Mon team.

Mon will take on Dimapur in the final of the coveted tournament on Friday.