Defending champs Mon return to Dr T Ao final

MOKOKCHUNG, OCTOBER 26 (MExN): Defending champions Mon moved into the final of the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition, with a 2-1 victory over Peren in the first semi-final on October 26.Eshong scored twice, including an 86th-minute winner, to keep Mon's title defence on track after Peren had fought back to level the contest in the second half.Mon took the lead in the 30th minute through Eshong and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage. Peren responded after the interval, with Rangliakam finding the equaliser in the 61st minute to bring the match back to 1-1. With both teams vying for a place in the final, the contest remained closely fought until Eshong struck again in the 86th minute. Completing his brace, he restored Mon's lead late in the match, and the defending champions held on to secure the 2-1 win.The victory sends Mon into the final as they seek to retain the title in the Silver Jubilee edition of the state-level inter-district tournament. Peren's campaign ended at the semi-final stage despite Rangliakam's equaliser keeping them in contention for much of the second half. The match was preceded by a brief programme attended by Küzholuzo Nienü, Advisor for Science and Technology, Government of Nagaland, as the guest of honour.The programme was hosted by Aben Imsong, while the welcome note was delivered by Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung and co-convenor of the organising committee. A special performance by Akok Jamir was also presented before the guest of honour addressed the gathering.Second Semi-Final Zunheboto vs Tuensang October 27 @ 5 pm