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Morung Express News
Tuensang | July 18
Sonshang FC staged a comeback to defeat the physically dominant WinzigKonigz 3-1, while Naga Brothers announced their resurgence in emphatic fashion with a 7-1 demolition of Rise of Strangers during Matchday 3 of the Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA) League at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground on Friday.
The day’s opening match, Match No. 5 of the league, began with Winzig flexing their muscle early. Within just two minutes, Changjiba pounced on a defensive lapse and calmly slotted the ball home, giving Winzig a 1-0 lead and setting the tempo with their signature physical style. Sonshang, however, refused to back down.
Midway through the first half, forwardHongmai pulled the teams level with a sharp finish in the 30thminute, punishing Winzig for a momentary lapse in defense. From there, it was a game of grit and guile – and Sonshang had more of both. The midfield battle tilted in favor of Sonshang, thanks in large part to the calm authority of Hanglen, whose intelligent play and forward pushes proved decisive.
In the 55thminute, Hanglen found the net with a low-driven shot from outside the box, sending the Sonshang bench into celebration. He sealed the victory in the 85thminute with another composed strike, capping off a performance that showcased Sonshang’s depth and character. Despite the defeat, Winzig remained combative throughout, often overpowering their opponents physically, but failed to convert their aggression into goals.
Sonshang skipper Besochingmak was named Man of the Match for his commanding presence in midfield and ability to marshal his team through tense moments.
In the second encounter, Naga Brothers returned to the pitch with a point to prove after a narrow loss to TVSF in their opening game – and they delivered a performance to remember.
Forward Bichemli stole the show etching his name in the early history of the league with the first hat-trick, striking in the 27th, 33rd, and 34thminutes – a blistering seven-minute display of pace, precision, and poise. The hat-trick silenced Rise of Strangers, who struggled to contain the wave of Naga Brothers’ attacks.
Captain Beshang joined the scoring spree with goals in the 36thand 67thminutes, asserting leadership both on and off the ball. Relithong and Ezi added a goal apiece in the 71stand 75thminutes respectively, putting the result beyond doubt. Thungti managed a solitary reply for Rise of Strangers in the 72ndminute, but by then, the scoreboard read more like a statement.
Bichemli’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award as Naga Brothers climbed up the table with renewed momentum.
Matchday 4 of the TDFA League returns on Saturday, with SoyemSangya FC taking on Auyang FC in the first match, followed by a promising clash between Fusion FC and the in-form Tuensang Village Sports Foundation.
