Nyenshen FC and Sonkük Laang FC players in the final of the 32nd Loyem Memorial Trophy on November 1 in Tuensang Town. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | November 1
In an electrifying showdown at the Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground, Sonkük Laang FC clinched their third consecutive Loyem Memorial Trophy title, narrowly defeating arch-rivals Nyenshen FC 2-1 in extra time. The highly anticipated match, often heralded as “the derby” and “the clash of the titans,” held true to its promise of thrilling the Tuensang crowd, as fans witnessed an intense display of football prowess.
The grand finale, graced by Brigadier Vikram Singh, DIG, 7 Sector Assam Rifles as the guest of honor, saw fans packing the stadium to its capacity. The atmosphere was charged from the opening whistle, with both teams strategizing intensely.
Nyenshen FC, a formidable contender with three previous Loyem Memorial titles under their belt, returned to the final after a two-year hiatus, determined to reclaim their glory. Meanwhile, Sonkük Laang FC, the reigning champions, was looking to extend their winning streak.
Sonkük Laang pressed forward early in the game, testing Nyenshen’s defensive line with a series of well-timed attacks. However, the relentless defense held firm, forcing Sonkük to retreat under counterattacks. In a pivotal moment in the 32nd minute, a handball by a Sonkük defender awarded Nyenshen a penalty, which Thanglalven confidently converted to put Nyenshen ahead. The goal reignited the Nyenshen offense, but their lead was short-lived. Six minutes later, Temjen of Sonkük soared to meet a cross, delivering a powerful header that brought the score to 1-1.
With both teams level, the match grew tense as halftime approached. After a brief respite, the second half resumed with heightened intensity, yet neither team found the decisive breakthrough. Most of the play centered around the midfield, with both sides waiting to exploit a mistake from the other. Regulation time ended in a stalemate, propelling the game into extra time.
The breakthrough came in the 100th minute, during the first half of extra time, when Sonkük Laang captain Hanglen fired a brilliant free-kick into the net, sparking a euphoric celebration among Sonkük supporters. Despite a few promising attempts in the remaining minutes, Nyenshen could not level the score, and Sonkük Laang held on to emerge as champions.
The victory marked Sonkük Laang FC’s third consecutive Loyem Memorial Trophy title, a feat celebrated with an award of Rs 2, 30,000, medals, certificates, and the coveted trophy. Nyenshen FC, as runners-up, received Rs 1, 20,000, along with medals and certificates. Tiaren FC and DEF Tuensang, the semifinalists, were each awarded Rs 25,000.
Individual accolades celebrated standout players, with Shano of Sonkük Laang FC receiving the Golden Boot, Kümzük of Tiaren FC honored with the Golden Glove, and Namang of Sonkük Laang FC securing the Golden Ball. Each player received Rs 10,000 as recognition for their achievements.
The tournament, which commenced on October 21, concluded on November 1, with the ceremonial flag-down conducted by the 3rd NAP Tuensang, officially bringing the 32nd Loyem Memorial Trophy to a close.
