Longleng, Kohima, Zunheboto win as Dr T Ao Trophy enters quarter-finals

Mokokchung, October 22 (MExN): Longleng, Kohima and Zunheboto registered victories on Day 8 of the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy – Inter-District Football Championship 2026, while Dimapur also ended its campaign with a win as the tournament moves into the quarter-finals.

Longleng defeated Tseminyu 3-0 in Match No. 25, with Phongnyei opening the scoring in the 35th minute. Yahoktenba doubled the lead in the 58th minute before Shahhong scored in added time at 70+5 minutes to seal the victory.

In Match No. 26, Kohima beat Shamator 3-0. Noulevituo gave Kohima the lead in the 24th minute, followed by Kevizakie's goal two minutes later. Zasevituo added the third in the 62nd minute to complete the win.

Dimapur defeated Noklak 2-0 in Match No. 27, with both goals coming in the second half. Noklensunep broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute before Lungneuying scored at 70+5 minutes to secure the victory. However, Dimapur failed to qualify for the quarter-finals.

In the final match of the day, Zunheboto beat Kiphire 3-1. Tohika opened the scoring in the 18th minute, while Hikupu extended the lead in the 43rd minute. Puyeto made it 3-0 in the 64th minute before Idalungbe scored Kiphire's consolation goal in the 68th minute.

Meanwhile, Imnatoshi of Mokokchung continues to lead the tournament's Golden Boot race with six goals.

The quarter-finals will be held on October 23, with Mon taking on Longleng at 3 PM. Kohima will face Zunheboto in the second quarter-final at 6 PM.

N Chuba Phom, District Planning Officer, Mokokchung, will be the match patron for the first quarter-final, while Imtitoshi, Commandant of the 12th NAP IR, Chingtok, Longleng, will be the patron for the second match.