A 6-0 victory enabled Langsning FC to book the last slot in the semifinals of the Shillong Premier League 2023 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Nelson Rymbai (57’P, 79′, 90’+2P) scored twice from the penalty spot for a hat-trick and there were individual goals for Kitboklang Pale (45′), Overkindness Lyngdoh Mawnai (60′) and Sheen Sohktung (69′).
Rangdajied had already guaranteed themselves first place in the points table no matter what the result from today, such has been their dominance in SPL 2023. As such, coach Aibanjop Shadap chose to go with several less experienced players for this match – their last of the round robin stage – giving them vital game time.
Still, this was the first time Rangdajied failed to pick up any points this season and the margin of victory will sting a little.
Langsning made their intentions known from the get-go, with a shot on the upright in the very first minute. They would be denied by the woodwork again before Kitboklang found the only goal of the first half.
Just before the whistle, a mistake at the back saw Rangdajied hand the ball to the unmarked Kit and he beat the goalkeeper, Ialamlang Biam, though his shot took a deflection before entering the net.
In the second half, the first of Langsning’s penalties came after Chanmitre Thma was cut down in the box, with Nelson, who came on as a substitute in the first half, converting by sending the keeper the wrong way.
A few minutes later, Overkindness then produced the shot of the match from just inside 18 yards, placing it perfectly past Ialamlang.
Nelson was involved in the fourth goal, with his shot on the run denied by the goalie. The rebound fell into the path of Sheen, however, and he finished off the job.
The Langsning No. 10 would not be denied a second goal, however, as Kitboklang broke up the centre in the 79th minute, drew out the keeper and passed the ball to his right for Nelson to tap in.
A stoppage time penalty, for a foul on Banteilang Lyngdoh, then gave Nelson his hat-trick.
The win – the fourth in a row – marks a strong comeback for Langsning, who were in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the standings after they lost their opening two fixtures.
Langsning are now on 12 points, tied with Shillong Lajong FC but with a negative head-to-head record. Apart from Rangdajied in first, the positions of the other teams in the Top 4 are yet to be finalised as they all have a match to play.
Tomorrow features two sides towards the bottom of the table – Sawmer SC and Nongthymmai SC at 3:15pm. After a tough campaign, both sides will want to play their last match of the season on a positive note and will definitely go for the win.
