Mon crush Mokokchung 3–0
Morung Express News
Kohima | August 13
Mon and Niuland will face off in the grand finale of the Dr T Ao Trophy 2025 on August 15 after registering wins in their respective semi-final matches here on Wednesday.
In the first semi-final, played at 3:00 pm, Mon delivered a commanding performance to beat Mokokchung 3–0 and seal their place in the title clash .
The opening half was tight and tense, with both teams cautiously probing for weaknesses. The deadlock was finally broken in the 42nd minute when Laiwang (Jr. No. 7) pounced on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper with precision and composure. As first-half stoppage time ticked away, the Mon supporters erupted again when K. Arap (Jr. No. 15) struck a clinical finish in the 45+3rd minute to give his side a commanding 2–0 lead at the break.
Mokokchung, desperate to claw their way back, pressed forward in the second half but were repeatedly repelled by Mon’s disciplined defence. The final blow came in the 81st minute when Amun (Jr. No. 9) sealed the contest with a thunderous strike, sparking celebrations in the stands.
Tensions flared late in the game, with Amun receiving a yellow card in the 82nd minute and Mokokchung’s Tarepnungsang (Jr. No. 10) booked in the 77th minute.
The match was patronised by TR Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland.
In the second semi-final, played at 6:00 pm, Niuland overcame a spirited late fightback from Kohima to win 3–2 in a pulsating contest that kept fans on edge until the final whistle .
Niuland controlled the first half, with Toka (Jr. No. 10) opening the scoring in the 37th minute after a slick passing move, followed six minutes later by Lokivi (Jr. No. 19), who capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home confidently and make it 2–0.
Their dominance continued after the break, and Kakhevi (Jr. No. 7) appeared to put the result beyond doubt in the 66th minute, making it 3–0. But Kohima refused to go quietly.
A spirited comeback began in the 73rd minute when Kevizakie (Jr. No. 19) pulled one back with a clinical strike. The tension escalated in the dying moments as Nisede (Jr. No. 10) scored in the 89th minute to set up a frantic finish.
Despite Kohima’s late surge, Niuland’s defence held firm to book their spot in the final.
The match was patronised by Y Patton, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland.
The grand final on August 15 will be a clash between two unbeaten sides, Mon and Niuland, both carrying strong momentum and passionate fan support into the championship decider.
