The Meghalaya State League 2023 witnessed an absolute goal fest in Group A at the MFA Turf in Shillong today, with Jyntru beating Seng Samla Laitryngew 9-4.
In today’s other fixtures, Niaw Wasa United came from a goal down to edge Youth Club Pdengkarong 2-1 in Group B’s Jowai, Wasa FC defeated Warima Youth Club 3-1 in Group D’s Tura and Riangdo YSCA edged Mawten SC 1-0 in Group C’s Mawkyrwat.
In Shillong, substitute Emanbha Marbaniang (74′, 79′, 87′, 90’+5) turned what had been a fairly even game on its head after coming on as a second half substitute for Jyntru, scoring four goals in just 20 minutes.
Both Jyntru and Laitryngew were looking for their first win of the competition after both had drawn one and lost one match each.
An action-packed first half saw six goals coming at breakneck speed, with the leading changing hands before settling on 3-3 at the lemon break.
Balanstar Taro (14′) scored the first for Jyntru but Johnplayson Lyngdoh (15′) equalised roughly a minute later after the ball was lost by a Jyntru defender near the box.
Banteilang Nongkynrih (18′) then turned the game in Laitryngew’s favour after his shot took a deflection and entered the net but Jyntru found an equaliser of their own after a bad mistake by Laitryngew in the 22nd minute. Their goalkeeper was out of the box and took a short free-kick but his team mates lost possession and that allowed Monush Lapang to storm through and score in front of an open net.
Nongkynrih, however, restored Laitryngew’s lead in the 34th minute by heading in a free-kick but we still were not done as Badaminot Nongphlang (45’+1) of Jyntru timed a run to perfection that left behind the opposing defenders and he went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and won the fight, curling a left-footer into the back of the net.
The second half started comparatively quietly with no further goals scored for nearly half an hour.
Then the storm broke with two quick goals by Jefferson Nongphlang (74′) and the first of Marbaniang’s before Ferenstar Kharkongor (75′) of Laitryngew pulled one back to make it 5-4.
Marbaniang’s second a few minutes later spelled the end of resistance by Laitryngew and Jyntru sailed on uninterrupted. Badaminot registered a brace with an 89th minute goal and Marbaniang’s fourth strike proved to be the last action of an incredible day as the referee blew for full time immediately after.
It was a much more subdued but no less exciting affair at the Kiang Nangbah Stadium in Jowai where Niaw Wasa’s fourth game saw them stumble at the start, with Marshial Nongrum heading in a corner kick to put Pdengkarong in front in the 27th minute.
However, a thundering strike by Dashngain Sukhlain in the 39th minute saw Niaw Wasa equalise; a free-kick for his team was headed away but the unmarked Sukhlain, who had stayed back on the edge of the box, nailed the rebound.
With the minutes ticking by, Dreamson Suchiang produced a goal that lived up to his name in the 83rd minute to give Niaw Wasa a much-needed win. A free-kick bobbled around for a bit before falling to Suchiang, who had to swivel round before lobbing the goalkeeper without even looking where he was shooting.
Meanwhile, at the MDSA Ground in Mawkyrwat, Riangdo scored through Phinilboy Rashik (70′) to get their first points on the board.
Over at the Chandmari Ground in Tura, Wasa FC went to the top of Group D with their win, though they have played a match more than their closest competitors – Wasa now have 7 points compared to Khliehmawlieh’s 6. Today Wasa’s goals were scored by Koushik Rabha (8′), Silgrik Momin (41′) and substitute F Momin (90’+3) while Warima’s lone goal was through Tremarchwal Ch Marak (85′).
Tomorrow’s fixtures:
Group A, Shillong – Umkseh vs Mawlai, 3pm
Group B, Jowai – Sein Pynbhalang vs Rymbai Iawpynsing, 2:30pm
Group C, Mawkyrwat – Seven United vs Pyndengrei, 3pm
Group D, Tura – Atong Matgrik vs Chipakkore, 3pm
