Shillong, Apr 16:
Nangkiew Irat SC got their debut campaign in the 5th Meghalaya State League off to a roaring start with a 9-0 victory against Mulang SC Nongbah in Group B at the MFA Ground here today.
Nangkiew Irat were leading 3-0 at half time and added another half a dozen goals in the second 45 minutes as Mulang Nongbah found it difficult to hold them at bay after one of their own, Dawanlangki Susngi, was sent off with a double yellow card. Nangkiew Irat scored through Sangti Janai Shianglong (12′, 56′), Banshanlang Nongdhar (21′, 85′), Brolington Warlarpih (26′), Dibinroy Nongspung (57′, 88′) and Restom Khriam (90′).
Teams in seven of the eight groups were involved in matches today, making it a busy one for the MSL.
Defending champions Mawlai SC secured a 3-1 win against Amlarem SC in Group C, while Maram FC won 3-2 against A’chik SCO Rongjeng in Group G.
Amlarem were in front early by virtue of Foulmi Khongiong (11′) and Mawlai trailed until just before the half time whistle when Fairming Suting (45’+3) equalised. Mawlai then struck twice within a few minutes in the second half, first through Damanbhalang Chyne (63′) and again by Fairming (67′).
Maram, meanwhile, were up 3-0 thanks to Santosh Teron (30′), Easter Salchang Ch Sangma (51′) and Tremarchwal Ch Marak (75′) before ASCOR pulled two goals back through Dinggrik D Momin (76′) and Klubarth M Sangma (79′). Both these games were held in Amlarem and Williamnagar, respectively, two new venues for the MSL this season.
There was a real scare for 2023 champions Rangdajied United FC, who had to fight their way back from a goal down to win 2-1 in Mawkyrwat.
In Group H local side Mawten SC bagged the lead at the end of the first half via Wellberjune Lyngdoh (45′) and it was only in the 69th minute that Rangdajied found an equaliser thanks to Firstborn Roy Khongsti. Then, with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Freelyson Tariang (81′) netted the winner to spare his team’s blushes.
Also in Shillong, in Group A, Umkaber SCC came from a goal down to beat Mawshun SCC 3-2 at the SSA Stadium.
Mawshun took the lead through Niki Khonglam (16′) but Pynshaibor Kharbteng (37′, 46′) equalised before half time and then put Umkaber into the lead in the first minute after the change of ends. The exciting fixture saw Bradley Masynting (72′) pull Mawshun level only for Umkaber to seal victory in stoppage time thanks to Toberwel Marngar (90’+1).
There were fewer fireworks in Wahiajer as 2019 champions Shillong Lajong FC blanked Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC 3-0 in Group E. That is not to say it was plain sailing for SLFC, however, as the first half was goalless. Lajong regrouped at the break and Samchaphrang Lato (51′), Riborlang L Lyngkhoi (57′) and Banlamkupar Rynjah (81′) scored a goal each to give their side a convincing win in the end.
Finally, in Khliehriat, Group D saw a battle between two top teams from Jaintia Hills, with Thangskai Tiger SC pipping Ladthadlaboh SC 1-0 with a 68th minute goal by the Tigers’ captain Phermedaki Syrti.
Tomorrow’s fixtures (all to kick off at 3pm):
Group A (Shillong SSA Stadium) – No match scheduled
Group B (Shillong MFA Ground) – Mawlum Tyrsad SCC vs Mawphu SC
Group C (Amlarem) – Laskein SCSC vs Lamin XI SCC
Group D (Khliehriat) – Jalaphet Pyrdung SC vs Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC
Group E (Wahiajer) – Iatyllilang Lumsehkot CSC vs Lamyrsiang SCC
Group F (Mairang) – Langsning FC vs Mishon SSCC
Group G (Williamnagar) – Janepih YSCA vs Attong Matgrik FC
Group H (Mawkyrwat) – Mawlarshong SC vs SS Umdang Pyllun
