Champions of the 30th Loyem Memorial Trophy, Son Kük Laang (SKL) FC, Noksen town pose with the trophy at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf ground, Tuensang on November 19. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | November 20
Tourney debutants, Son Kük Laang (SKL) FC, Noksen town, defeated Tuensang Village Sports Foundation (TVSF) 3-0 in the finals of the 30th Loyem Memorial Trophy at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground, Tuensang on November 19.
Playing in-front of a jam-packed stadium, the two sides were unable to score in the first-half. Shortly after the interval however, Chaba, highest scorer of the tournament, found the net for SKL in the 56th minute. TVSF led by their captain Ayen S, kept their opponents busy by attacking continuously and was nearly rewarded but Kümzük, goalkeeper of SKL, thwarted the ball away from a point-blank position.
Another breakthrough was made for SKL in the 63rd minute when Beshang, chipped the ball into the net from the right side of the field. The score line would have been comfortable however Chaba of SKL missed the penalty which was awarded as a result of Pete being fouled by Bendang in the goal area.
In the 85th minute, the unpredictable Tingnyek Konyak scored from 45 yards with a thunderous kick, making it 3-0 in favor of SKL. This win for Tingyek is another feather to his cap in his long and illustrious football career. The match ended at 3-0, marking the first ever Loyem Memorial Trophy played in the new Astro Turf Ground to crown Son Kük Laang FC, Noksen Town as the champions.
In the closing ceremony, K Odibendang CEB, member, NDPP, Nagaland graced the occasion as the special guest. HaühyangChoba Bagpipe Band received the guest and also performed during the flag down ceremony.
Er Chingmak, President, Chang Gazetted Officers’ Association (CGOA) and Yangdipi Sangtam, President, Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA) also delivered speeches during the function.
Both the teams reached the final after defeating Rili& Heli FC and Shanen FC in both their respective semifinal matches. In total, 12 participating teams played 19 matches in 12 days. In the exhibition matches which were played in between, ENSF (Federating units) defeated Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen, ChongphoBamangSaoshuong Thangjam defeated Changsao Thangjam Setshang and DPDB defeated the Organizing Committee Members.
The Golden Ball was awarded to Ayen S of TVSF, Golden Boot to Imlong Chaba of Son Kük Laang FC, Noksen Town and Golden Glove to Kümzük Chang of Son Kük Laang FC, Noksen Town.
