Finalist of 33rd LMT Shanen FC and SP XI with the special guest, LMT organisers and other dignitaries.
Moses Hongang Chang
Tuensang | November 13
As dusk crept over the packed-out Loyem Memorial Astro Turf, the curtain came down on this year’s edition of the 33rd Loyem Memorial Trophy (LMT) in electrifying fashion. The final pitted two unbeaten giants, Shanen FC (Group A winners) and SP XI (Group B winners) in what became a day of cultural spectacle, athletic flair and sheer competitive fire.
From the minute fans filled the Astro turf under a sky lit with anticipation, the scene was set. The reception by the CWS Cultural Troupe, the ceremonial anthem, drum-beats echoing across the stands, crackers bursting in celebration, it all underscored how much this contest meant. Er. Lanu Jamir, Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B), Tuensang, special guest of the ceremony, chaired by Awe Chingmak, Finance Secretary, CWS, invocation by Pastor Emithung Lotha of Lotha Baptist Church, special song performed by “Omlila” and remarks by the President of TDFA, before the vote of thanks by Ngouwaplangmai, Co-convenor of the LMT.
First half fire, individual brilliance
SP XI drew first blood when their talisman Limakumzuk Ao rose highest seven minutes in to head home a precision cross from Yhoto Lohe, reminding everyone of his group-stage blitz which included multiple hat-tricks and eight-goal hauls.
But Shanen replied with composure. Captain Ayenmongba, who had entered the final with a tally of 24 goals after his 15-goal explosion took centre stage at the 33rd minute to nod in the equaliser. The 1-1 scoreline at half-time reflected the battle ahead: two attacking dynamos, each carving their tournament-legacies.
The turning point
Within just 75 seconds of the restart in the 46th minute, Shanen snatched the lead. A slick turnover in midfield led to Nisede Peseyie slotting past SP’s skipper-keeper Tiarenba to make it 2-1. Then another defensive misstep and a sharp Peseyie finish in the 57th minute doubled the lead to 3-1. The Astroturf roared as Shanen’s bench rose in unison.
Despite SP XI’s unrelenting pressure, Yhoto Lohe’s right-flank crosses pierced time and again, SP’s attacks rattled post and bar and forced corner after corner, the smart defence and clinical counter-moves of Shanen held firm.
In the 76th minute, SP’s Relithong finally cut one back, making it 2-3 and reigniting hope among the grey-shirted supporters. But as the final whistle approached, it felt pre-ordained: Shanen, coached by Nyithong Magh, had timed their form perfectly, and the scoreboard remained fixed at 3-2.
Moments etched in LMT history
Ayenmongba’s golden boot run, now ending at 25 tournament goals, established him as perhaps the most lethal front-man in Loyem lore.
Limakumzuk’s consistency and SP’s earlier group-stage goal-fest set expectation high and his opening goal tonight validated them.
The opening ceremony’s cultural high-point, the crowd’s drum-beats, the crackers, and the packed stands added colour and context to what felt like more than just a football match, it was Tuensang’s moment.
Shanen’s group-stage dominance and tactical resolve today underline how they combined flair with discipline, a rare blend in knockout football.
Prizes, accolades and echoes
According to the tournament organisers, the prize pool for this edition stood at Rs. 2.2 lakh for the champions and Rs. 1.2 lakh for the runners-up, while each losing semi-finalist received Rs. 25,000. At the ceremony, Shanen’s players emerged from the dug-out wearing T-shirts emblazoned: “Shanen FC Champion, 33rd LMT Final 2025!”
Ayenmongba was awarded the Golden Boot, Chiu T. claimed the Golden Glove, while Sanyem Salem earned the Golden Ball honour.
What comes next
Shanen FC now lift the trophy, but the ramified story of this Loyem tournament, from group-stage goal avalanches to stoppage-time comebacks to today’s high-stakes final will linger. For SP XI, the narrow defeat doesn’t diminish their ambition; their scoring machine will return next season, stronger. For Shanen, this title cements their season-long ascendance and the belief that they can move beyond dominance to legacy.
As the stadium emptied, the reheated songs of supporters mingling with the settling dust, one phrase seemed apt: the 33rd LMT delivered not just champion and runner-up, but a narrative of football elevated where drama, culture and community collided on one pitch in Tuensang.
