Action from the inaugural DDFL-cum-Late Hejeto Ayemi Football Trophy match between Thahekhu Youth FC (Red) and Dimapur United (Blue) at the DDSC Stadium, Dimapur on September 15. (Morung Photo)
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H Anguvi Chishi
Dimapur | September 15
As dusk settled over a packed stadium, thousands of passionate football fans, dignitaries, and officials created an electric atmosphere, setting the stage for the highly anticipated revival of the Dimapur District Football League (DDFL).
The grand return did not disappoint. It took just seconds from the opening whistle for Dimapur United Sporting Club’s (DUFC) forward line to electrify the Dimapur sky. Capitalizing on a long pass from the center that the opposition defense failed to clear, DUFC struck a brilliant finish in the very first minute.
The defining moment instantly brought back the glory days of the league — last held in November 2021 — as ecstatic fans stormed the DDSC stands with deafening cheers.
With that explosive start, Dimapur United kicked off their campaign in the DDFL-cum-Late Hejeto Ayemi Trophy in spectacular fashion, routing Thahekhu Village FC 6-1 in a one-sided league match here at the DDSC Stadium on Tuesday.
Dimapur United completely dominated the Match Day 1 fixture from the opening whistle, exposing chinks in the Thahekhu defense early on. Libenthung opened the floodgates with that clinical first-minute strike, followed immediately by Yiben, who found the back of the net following a brilliant cross from the centre midfield in the 3rd minute to put Dimapur United 2-0 ahead.
Thahekhu FC managed a brief response in the 31st minute when Lanjon converted a chance to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, the joy was short-lived as Yiben struck again in the 35th minute to complete his brace and restore Dimapur United’s two-goal cushion going into the break.
The second half saw total dominance from Dimapur United Sporting Club. Pulovi extended the lead in the 14th minute of the second half, and Ghuqhe piled on the misery a minute later in the 15th minute. Substitute Vinato sealed the emphatic 6-1 victory with a goal in the 20th minute of the second period.
The match statistics reflected Dimapur United’s complete control, as they recorded 6 shots on target from 6 attempts, operating with maximum efficiency. In contrast, Thahekhu Youth FC managed only 1 shot on target from their single attempt.
Thahekhu Youth FC earned 2 corners and committed 2 offsides, while Dimapur United did not win a corner and was flagged offside once. Both teams were awarded 2 direct free kicks each, with neither side conceding an indirect free kick.
Thahekhu started with a 4-4-2 formation under head coach Anovi Chishi, manager Toyi Awomi, assistant coach Iwuto Chishi, assistant coach Anaka Shohe, and physiotherapist Kivi Swu. Their starting XI featured Tobo Chophy, Elvito Swu, Vikika, Renben, Rahul, Lanjon, Katoho, Senti, Molung, Bothuka, and Thuluntsu.
Dimapur United Sporting Club played without listed management staff and started Yichithung, Yiben, Beneshek, Khrope, Amarnath, Mhachio, Ghuqhe, Nungsang, Francis, Anil Sangma, and Stephen. Strategic changes were made by both sides throughout the game.
Thahekhu replaced Vikika with Renben early in the 12th minute, followed by a double switch in the 35th minute where Tohito Chophy came on for Hotozhe Chophy and Rahul replaced Elvito Swu.
Dimapur United’s substitutions proved highly effective. Vinato replaced Libenthung in the 18th minute and later scored, while Pele replaced Francis in the 35th minute. Tsandemo came on for Nungsang in the 50th minute, and Stephen replaced Pulovi in the 64th minute.
With the commanding win, Dimapur United Sporting Club established itself as a formidable force early in the league stage.
