Hanglen of SP XI (grey) against KSC on November 11, he scored two goals to prompt the comeback.
Moses Hongang Chang
Tuensang | November 11
What began as a taut, tactical semi-final exploded into one of the most breathless comebacks of this Loyem Trophy and proved why you never, ever write off a team that scores like SP XI. In front of a packed Loyem Memorial Astro Turf on Tuesday, SP XI overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Khiamniungan Sports Council (KSC) and book a date with Shanen FC in the final on Thursday.
KSC looked in control for long stretches. The first blood was drawn almost immediately after a frantic opening spell: Limakumzuk Ao gave SP XI a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute, only for Lamsong to respond within 60 seconds, slotting home in the 28th to make it 1-1. The game then took a twist, a 39th-minute own goal handed KSC the advantage, and Lamsong struck again in the 54th to stretch the lead to 3-1. At that point, the blue shirts looked primed for the final, clinical, composed and compact, the textbook semi-final side that grinds out results.
But football, especially at Loyem this year, has been anything but textbook. SP XI turned the narrative around in a blistering seven-minute spell. Hanglen pulled one back in the 57th minute, cutting the deficit and sending the visiting fans into a fever; he followed it up with a second in the 63rd, and suddenly the momentum had flipped. The bench rose, the coaching staff hugged the touchline and the KSC defence, which had stood firm for so long, began to fray under pressure.
The winner, a cool, decisive strike from Yhoto Lohe in the 68th minute crowned a remarkable turnaround. From 3-1 down to 4-3 up inside 14 minutes: SP XI’s comeback was as much a testament to belief as to finishing. They will now meet the rampant Shanen FC in the final on Thursday.
This result will feel familiar to readers who have followed this edition closely. SP XI have carried a relentless attacking identity through the group stages, multiple big wins and a savage goalscoring touch centered on Limakumzuk Ao and their ability to score in volumes has repeatedly turned games on their head. KSC, meanwhile, produced moments of brilliance in the first half and will rue opportunities they left on the field; their campaign has been one of guts and fine margins.
As the tournament heads into its climax, it’s worth noting what’s at stake beyond pride. According to the Loyem organisers the prize pool for this edition awards the champions a substantial cash prize of Rs. 2.2 lakh, the runners-up a significant purse of Rs. 1.2 lakh, with each losing semi-finalist receiving Rs. 25,000. Individual honours, Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Golden Glove also carry cash rewards. Those figures give extra texture to the hunger on the pitch: this is not only about silverware but also about local bragging rights.
What to watch on Thursday: Shanen FC vs SP XI is shaping up to be a clash of two different dominance styles. Shanen have bulldozed through opponents with collective firepower, that 21-0 semi, led by Ayenmongba’s outrageously prolific 15-goal single-game haul, made headlines and shifted the psychology of the knockout stage. SP XI are the counter-proposal: a side that can dismantle opponents with bursts of individual brilliance and a ruthless scoring ethos. Expect high tempo, end-to-end football, and a final where every mistake will be magnified.
In tournament terms, Loyem has delivered a neat arc: earlier group-stage goal fests, the SP XI 11-0 win and Shanen’s 12-0 routs set the scene; the semis supplied shock, comeback and a reminder that football’s narrative can change in three minutes. Thursday’s final will be the capstone and after the roller-coaster of the last week, nobody can predict how the story will finish.
