The semifinals of the Meghalaya Youth League 2024 were held today with a brilliant display of football meaning that there are four different teams in the U-14 and U-16 finals, which will take place here on Friday.
The U-14 title match will be between West Jaintia District Sports Association and Nongstoin District Sports Association, while that of the U-16 category will see Shillong Sports Association take on Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association, with all four teams eager to get their hands on the trophies of the inaugural tournament, which is organised by the Meghalaya Football Association with support of the Meghalaya government.
The U-14 semifinals were held at the MFA Turf in Polo and the morning contest was locked 0-0 through the 70 minutes of normal time as well as extra time, leading to a penalty shootout that West Jaintia DSA won 4-3 against Shillong SA.
Later, Nongstoin DSA celebrated a 1-0 win over Ri-Bhoi DSA, with a Refel Markwius Wanniang (45′) shot sailing past the gloves of the goalkeeper.
The U-16 semifinals, played at the Sports Authority of India centre at NEHU, were contested between the exact same associations but the results were reversed.
Shillong SA powered to a commanding 4-1 win against West Jaintia DSA before Ri-Bhoi held off late pressure from Nongstoin to win 3-2.
West Jaintia were able to hold their own in the first half but then conceded three in the second half to Shillong’s Iminstar Mawlong (46′), Menangpyndap Khongjee (51′) and Wanpyndap Kharkongor (77′). WJDSA then earned a penalty for a foul in stoppage time and converted through Serene Dkhar (90’+1) but just when they thought they had a foot in the door, it was closed by Menangpyndap (90’+5), who converted a penalty at the other end.
It was a see-saw fight later on, with Me-u-ba-ai Sumer (9′) scoring early for Ri-Bhoi before Mickystar Diengdoh (23′) equalised for Nongstoin. Parity did not last long, though, as Prosperwell Ryntong (27′) pushed Ri-Bhoi ahead once again. Me-u-ba-ai (58′) scored another in the second half but Nongstoin did not give up and pulled another goal back thanks to Shemborlang Snaitang (85′) but RBDSA were able to hold on to victory from there.
Anticipation now shifts to the finals, both of which will be played on Friday at the SSA Stadium at First Ground in Polo. The U-14 final will begin at 11 am, followed by the U-16 final at 2 pm. Entry will be free for all spectators and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
