Players of Nyenshen FC (Yellow) playing against Reli & Heli FC (Blue) in the ongoing 29th LMT at Parade Ground, Tuensang. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | November 17
In the ongoing Loyem Memorial Trophy organized by the Confederation of Chang Students’ Union at Parade Ground, Tuensang defending champions Nyenshen FC and Freezing FC Saksi won their respective matches to enter the semi-finals. Dr Chollen, Tuensang and Wongto Chingmak, former Convenor LMT were the match patrons.
Both the matches were a treat for the fans and neutral spectators alike. Two hattricks, 13 goals, a penalty, Mustafi Tagoe’s dancing celebration and first red card of the tournament marked the day.
On a beautiful sunny afternoon in Tuensang defending champions Nyenshen FC after comfortably winning their two group matches took on Reli & Heli FC who had a win and a loss in their group and reached the quarterfinal stage.
Nyenshen found the net seven times which included the 1stand the 2nd hattrick of the tournament.
However, the score line does not justify the efforts of R&H FC who struck the crossbar 3 times, adding more disappointment to their final score. The missed opportunities dampen their spirit to make a comeback which was capitalized by their opponents.
But the day belonged to Nyenshen FC, who displayed one of the best performances in the tournament showing calmness and composure in the middle of the park to the lethal attack combination and a sold back line.
Their fans were in for a treat with Mongko (14) scoring the 1st hattrick of the tournament scoring in the 8th, 33rd and 58th minutes, who also had an assist. Ghanian Mustafi Tagoe (16) entertained the spectators with his raw pace, dance celebrations and the 2nd hattrick in the 24th, 38th and 62nd minutes of the match. The onslaught ended in the 63rd minute with Imlong Chaba scoring his first goal in the tournament. Nyenshen FC will face Freezing FC in the semi-finals on Friday, 19th November.
Match officials were, referee T Chuba, 1st assistant L Chaba, 2nd assistant T Chelio and 4th official M Aolen.
The second match was a heated battle between two teams with a point to prove after their topsy turvy entry into the quarter-finals.
La-Son SC and Freezing FC took no time sit back and relax right from the starting whistle. The ground was filled with loud cheering of their fans who stayed till the final whistle. There wasn’t a moment of rest for the fans as well who had their hands to their mouth with every attempt being saved or shot wide.
The first breakthrough for La-Son SC came through the boots of Homang (7) in the 23rd minute. La-Son trying to extend their lead and Freezers looking for an equalizer before half time, it was a thrilling match.
The parity was established in the 35th minute after Lunso (11) scored the goal and it was all level. The tussle continued on till the first half whistle.
In the second half, a penalty and a red card marred the match. Freezing FC took lead in the 76th minute Hanif converted the penalty after a La-Son player handballed inside the box.
The intensity and the fast pace of the game suggested this match was over however, the score was levelled once more after Gunling (19) scored in the 85th minute.
The match was set for extra time but in the added minutes of the regulated time, the goalkeeper of La-Son FC committed a foul earning him the first red card of the tournament.
With only 10 men on the field, Freezers took this opportunity soon and Bichimli (9) scored the final goal to seal the match. Earlier, Ayen (7) also found the net for Freezing FC. The match ended 4-2. They will face the defending champions on Friday.
Match officials were, referee Nungsang, 1st assistant Shellim T, 2nd assistant N. Chuba and 4th official Jongshi.
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