Dr. T Ao Trophy: Dimapur upset defending champions Phek in opening match

Wokha, Mon and Tuensang register wins on first day

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, April 19 (EMN): Defending champions Phek lost to Dimapur while Wokha, Mon and Tuensang registered wins on first day of the 22nd Inter-District Football Championship (Dr. T Ao) 2022 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Tuesday.

In a thrilling encounter, the Dimapur District Football Association defeated defending champions Football Association Phek District by a solitary goal, in the Group A league match.

Kakhevi Assumi scored in the 46th minute to register three points for the Dimapur team.

Despite dominating the match, Phek team failed to break through with their striker Rhitsho Mero missing two golden opportunities in the match.

It was a moment of blunder from the Phek team as Kakhevi Assumi got hold of the loose ball to fire the ball into the net in the second half, which proved to be enough for the match.

However, defending champs Phek will still have two matches to qualify for the quarter finals.

Former i-league players Khwetelhi Thopi was the captain of the Phek team, while Kivi Zhimomi was the captain of Dimapur team.

Kivi Zhimomi and Kakhevi Assumi from the Dimapur team were cautioned with yellow cards for unsporting behavior in the first match.

In the second match, toothless Chümoukedima District Football Association was beaten by Wokha district by 1-0.  Mhabemo Kikon scored in the injury time in the second half for the Wokha team.

Debutant team Chümoukedima District Football Association failed to beat a defensive side despite numerous opportunities that came their way. Round Glass FC player Lironthung Lotha captaining the Wokha team executed his team with perfection as they held on a goalless draw and did their homework keeping the Chumu players at bay.

A moment of brilliance from Mhabemo Kikon gave the Wokha team the lead in the 71st minute.

Chumoukedima team had to blame themselves for not winning the game as they missed chances failing to break through the defensive line.

A line up that has renowned players like Mathew Kezhose, Limakumzuk Ao, Asito Krose, Temjenwati Longkumer failed to combine as they were toothless in their finishing and ruined their goal scoring opportunities.

Meribemo Ezung the goalkeeper produced some massive saves for the Wokha team and would be glad with three points for his team.

M Lengpang Konyak of Chumoukedima team was cautioned with a yellow card for unsporting behavior.

Tuensang District Football Association outclassed Kiphire District Football Association by 4-1 in the last match of the day.

In the third match, Mon District Football Association defeated debutant Niuland District Football Association by 3-1.

A goal from Laiwang Bohham Konyak, Monton and Shamba Samson T Konyak helped the Mon team beat the debutant team in the encounter. While an own goal was scored by Tinshak Konyak in the injury time to make it 3-1 at the end of the final whistle.

Laiwang Bohham Konyak who plays his trade for Delhi FC showed his class at the state tournament when called upon to find the net in the 4th minute. However an injury hampered his game leaving the pitch before the first half.

The second half saw substitute Monton scoring in the 47th minute, while Shamba Konyak added the third goal in the 65th minute.

An own goal from Tinshak Konyak in the injury time helped the debutant team score the first goal in the tournament.

In the match, a caution was given to Langphong Konyak of Mon district for unsporting behaviour.

In a one-sided match, Mongko scored a brace, while Longkhoi , Hangle Chang added a goal each for the Tuensang team. Kiphire was lucky to score as Tongsebi scored a penalty in the 53rd minute but it was a mere consolation goal.

The Tuensang team should have scored more goals to give their advantage in the league matches but were unable to finish the game. Their midfielder S Kamei also missed a penalty in the 64th minute.

Match fixture for April 20

• Peren vs Noklak at 9 am
• Shamator vs Longleng at 11 am
• Zunheboto vs Tseminyu at 1:30 pm
• Kohima vs Mokokchung at 3:30 pm