Shanen FC players thanking their fans for supporting them after their win against Auyang FC 3-1 on Wednesday at the 33rd Loyem Memorial Trophy in Tuensang Town (Photo Courtesy: Shanen FC)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | November 5
The match-day 8 of the 33rd edition of the Loyem Memorial Trophy (LMT) delivered another spectacle game of dominance and last-minute heartbreaks as Shanen FC maintained their perfect win record with a resilient 3-1 comeback win over Auyang FC, while United Comets FC denied GHSS Hakushang FC their second win with a last-minute draw.
In the first match between Auyang FC and Shanen FC, Auyang FC drew first blood surprising everyone with a confident start. Leagen P Konyak struck early in the 7th minute to take the lead, guiding the ball home after a quick exchange that caught Shanen’s defence off guard.
However, Shanen found their way back through a moment of brilliance in the 15th minute. Vinoka dribbled through Auyang’s defence with a dazzling one-two pass before calmly slotting the equaliser past the keeper.
The second half began on a knife’s edge until the experienced Nyithong Magh, one of Nagaland’s most admired players, reminded everyone why his name carries weight. In the 59th minute, he curled in a sublime free kick, silencing his critics from the first half and cupping his ears in celebration towards the crowd in defiance.
Seven minutes later, Longkhoi sealed the victory, connecting perfectly with a cross from the right flank in the 66th minute to make it a comfortable 3-1 victory.
With this win, Shanen FC remains unstoppable, registering three straight victories and continuing their dominant march toward the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Auyang FC find themselves under pressure with two consecutive losses following their opening win, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
The second match between GHSS Hakushang FC and United Comets FC was nearly swallowed by fog as by the time of kick-off, visibility had dropped so low that spectators on the side-lines could barely make out the play across the pitch.
Yet, what unfolded between GHSS Hakushang FC and United Comets FC was a gripping battle that kept the crowd guessing till the final whistle.
United Comets started the contest with a bang, with Sipong firing home the opening goal in just the 2nd minute after a scramble inside the box.
Hakushang, unsettled and error-prone in midfield, gifted the Comets several counterattacking chances. However, their in-form forward, Homang, fresh from his previous heroics, once again came to the rescue, coolly slotting in the equaliser in the 27th minute with a composed finish into the right corner.
After the break, Homang struck again in the 40th minute, putting Hakushang ahead and momentarily lifting them above the Comets in Group A standings. It seemed like the match was theirs until Sipong, the hero of the opening minute, resurfaced in the dying moments to smash in the equaliser, breaking Hakushang hearts and salvaging a valuable point for the Comets.
The 2-2 draw leaves both sides with mixed emotions as both their semi-final hopes was left alive but fragile; Hakushang, still chasing their second win after a roller-coaster campaign of one victory, one draw and two losses; and the Comets holding on with one win, one draw, and one defeat.
Thursday’s fixtures promise more decisive encounters: Yungyangkhu FC will take on the high-flying Khiamniungan Sports Council at 12:30 PM, followed by the undefeated SP XI facing Tüjünu United FC at 2:30 PM.
