Tuensang shatters expectations to clinch Dr T Ao Trophy

September 28, 2024 17 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Tuensang | September 28

Tuensang district’s stunning victory over Peren in the 23rd Inter-District Football Championship, Dr T Ao Trophy 2024, was more than just a match—it was a story of determination and an underdog team rising to the challenge.

In front of a packed Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground, Tuensang overturned all expectations to claim their first Dr T Ao Trophy title with a thrilling 2-1 win over Peren, a team many had underestimated at the start of the tournament.

Entering the competition, Tuensang’s credentials weren’t widely discussed. Despite being one of Nagaland’s founding districts, their footballing prowess had often been overshadowed by more fancied teams like Kohima and Mokokchung. But as the tournament unfolded, it became clear that Tuensang’s resilience and cohesive team play were their greatest strengths. They topped their group convincingly, silencing early doubters, and carried their momentum through decisive victories over Noklak in the quarterfinal and Niuland in the semi-final.

Team Tuensang with the officials of NFA, TDFA, DC Tuensang and Special Guest P BAshang Chang, Minister of Nagaland for PWD, Housing and Mechanical Engineering. (Morung Photo)

By the time they reached the final, Tuensang had transformed into a formidable contender, having scored a staggering 17 goals while conceding just once. Their disciplined backline, combined with sharp counter-attacks, turned them into one of the most well-rounded teams of the tournament.

Facing them in the final were Peren, a team with their own reputation for comebacks and a knack for finding goals under pressure. Peren’s journey included an extraordinary semi-final performance, where they overturned a 1-0 deficit in just 25 minutes, clinching victory against Mon through two late goals. Dubbed the “comeback kings,” Peren came into the final confident, but Tuensang’s gritty rise set the stage for a fierce contest.

From the first whistle, Tuensang’s intensity was evident. They disrupted Peren’s rhythm with relentless pressing, and their aggressive approach paid off in the 23rdminute when a long throw-in caused chaos in the Peren box, resulting in an own goal. The scoreline read 1-0 in favour of Tuensang, and the underdogs had drawn first blood.

Peren quickly regrouped, and their talisman, Kenumdi, stepped up to the plate in the 38th minute. With a deft touch and an eye for goal, he calmly slotted the ball past Tuensang’s goalkeeper, levelling the score at 1-1. The equalizer seemed to reignite Peren’s spirits, and they began to assert themselves more, looking for opportunities to break down Tuensang’s resolute defence.

But Tuensang had saved their best for last. Just before halftime, Ayenmongba Chang, the team’s standout performer, lined up a free kick in stoppage time. With precision and flair, he curled the ball into the top corner, sending the Tuensang fans into wild celebration. The timing of the goal couldn’t have been more crucial, giving Tuensang a 2-1 lead heading into the break and shifting the momentum decisively in their favour.

The second half was a showcase of Tuensang’s tactical maturity. Peren, known for their late-game heroics, threw everything forward in a bid to equalize, but Tuensang’s defensive structure held firm. Captain Donge Hanglen led by example, marshalling his teammates and ensuring that every Peren attack was met with resistance. Even as the minutes ticked away and pressure mounted, Tuensang’s composure never wavered.

With each successful tackle and interception, the cheers from the home crowd grew louder. As the final whistle approached, the realization began to sink in: Tuensang was on the verge of scripting a historic triumph. When the referee finally blew his whistle, Tuensang’s players erupted in joy, the bench cleared, and the crowd roared in celebration. They had done it—Tuensang were the champions.

Tuensang received the Dr T Ao Trophy, medals, certificates, and a cash prize of Rs 3 lakhs. Peren, valiant runners-up, were awarded a trophy, medals, and Rs 2 lakhs. Individual awards went to Chiu of Noklak (Golden Glove), Kenumdi Siarau of Peren (Golden Boot), and Khiuwangbo of Peren (Best Midfielder). T Liang of Noklak was named Best Defender, while Tuensang’s Ayenmongba Chang, took home the Best Player of the Tournament award.