33rd LOYEM MEMORIAL TROPHY : Lamsong’s hat trick powers KSC past Auyang; Hakushang FC storm back to claim first win

Morung Express News
Tuensang | November 3

The fog may have lifted, but the heat on the pitch only intensified on Monday as Match day 6 of the 33rd Loyem Memorial Trophy (LMT) unfolded at the Loyem Memorial Astro Turf, Tuensang. A day filled with early fireworks and late drama saw Khiamniungan Sports Council (KSC) and GHSS Hakushang FC emerge victorious in contrasting styles.

In the day’s first encounter, Khiamniungan Sports Council rode on a blistering first-half performance from their talisman Lamsong L, who completed a stunning hat trick within the opening 27 minutes. Lamsong struck first in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, before doubling the lead in the 17th with a composed finish that silenced Auyang’s backline. By the 27th minute, he had completed his treble, turning the match into a personal showcase of finishing brilliance.

Auyang FC, stunned but not broken, regrouped in the second half and fought hard to claw their way back. Their persistence paid off when Leagen P. Konyak pulled one back in the 64th minute, sparking a glimmer of hope among their supporters. Despite pushing forward with changes in the lineup and creating a few chances late on, Auyang could not find a way past the organized KSC defense. The match ended 3-1 in favor of KSC, who now sit comfortably with two wins in two, while Auyang are left to regroup after one win and one loss.

The second fixture between GHSS Hakushang FC and Tüjünu United FC began as a tight contest before erupting into a goal fest. Hakushang took the lead in the 29th minute through Ajong, who struck with confidence to give his side early momentum. But just before the interval, Tüjünu found their long-awaited breakthrough, Yanvithong netted in the 37th minute to register the team’s first goal of the campaign and restore parity.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to Hakushang. Ayen Mongba fired them ahead in the 51st minute, and before Tüjünu could settle, Homang delivered a quick double blow scoring twice in the 59th and 60th minutes. The three-goal blitz left the opposition shell-shocked and sealed Hakushang’s first victory of the tournament, a well-deserved 4-1 triumph that lifted their morale after a defeat and a draw in their earlier fixtures.

Matchday 7 on Tuesday, November 4, promises more excitement with Yungyangkhu FC facing Legit FC at 12:30 p.m., followed by Oilek FC clashing with the in-form SP XI at 2:30 p.m.