Peren (pink) players take on Wokha (blue) during their quarter-final encounter in the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on October 24. Peren won 3-0.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 24
Peren and Tuensang today secured the final two semi-final berths in the ongoing 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition, with contrasting quarter-final victories here at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung.
Peren defeated Wokha 3-0, while Tuensang edged past Phek 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
In the first match of the day on Saturday, Peren produced a composed second-half performance to defeat Wokha 3-0 and advance to the semi-finals.
After a goalless first half, Peren broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through Chingthaipou.
Kenumdi doubled the lead in the 67th minute before Rangliakam sealed the victory with a third goal in the 83rd minute.
Wokha struggled to find a response as Peren maintained their advantage until the final whistle to register a clean-sheet victory.
Peren’s Nrakhak was booked in the 29th minute, while Lungpetsing received a yellow card in the 88th minute.
Temsupongla, Senior Treasury Officer, Mokokchung, was the patron of the match.
Tuensang prevail in penalty shootout
Tuensang booked the final semi-final berth after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Phek, followed by a 3-1 victory in the penalty shootout.
Phek made a strong start, with Shovelo opening the scoring in the 25th minute before Kunuzo doubled the lead in the 33rd minute. Ponyi added a third in the 41st minute to give Phek a commanding advantage.
Tuensang, however, mounted a spirited comeback. Yemlongchaba pulled one back in the 39th minute, keeping Tuensang in contention before the interval.
Sentisang and Bashang then struck in the 78th and 89th minutes, respectively, to complete the comeback and level the score at 3-3.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the quarter-final was decided by a penalty shootout.
Tuensang held their nerve, converting three penalties against Phek’s one to seal a 3-1 shootout victory and progress to the last four.
Phek’s Eneibe received a yellow card in the 31st minute. Tuensang’s Tsalichem and Relithong were booked in the 11th and 31st minutes, respectively, while Ayenmongba received a yellow card in the 81st minute.
The match was patronised by Imkumniba Kichu, Councillor, Mokokchung Municipal Council.
Semi-final line-up
With the quarter-finals concluded, the semi-final line-up is complete. Mon will face Peren in the first semi-final on October 26, while Zunheboto will take on Tuensang in the second on October 27. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 5 pm.
The remaining four districts will vie for a place in the final of the Silver Jubilee Edition of the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy.
