The Meghalaya State League 2023 burst into action today, with five matches held across the four venues with the teams well and truly making their intentions clear.
Group B in Jowai featured two games, with one each in Group A’s Shillong, Group C’s Mawkyrwat and Group D’s Tura.
In Jowai’s early kick-off, Slander Nongtdu headed in a free-kick to gave his side the lead in only the sixth minute before Vicky Dkhar put one in off the upright in the 28th minute as Rymbai Iawpynsing SC defeated Youth Club Pdengkarong 2-0 at the Kiang Nangbah Stadium.
Later on, Ladthadlaboh SC, the runners-up of the West Jaintia District Sports Association’s Super Division, blanked Laskein Block Sports Association First Division champions Sein Pynbhalang SC 5-0 for a perfect start to their campaign.
In Shillong, Mawlai SC came through as comfortable 5-1 victors against Jyntru, with Donlad Diengdoh (20′, 44′, 72′) scoring a hat-trick for the boys in yellow.
His team mates, Sanjini Dkhar (28′) and Remark Kharmalki (78′) provided the other two strikes as MSL debutants Mawlai put on a smashing show at the MFA Turf at Polo. Emanbhah Marbaniang then secured a consolation goal via a penalty in second half stoppage time following a handball in the box by Mawlai.
Meanwhile, in Mawkyrwat, Mawten SC edged Pyndengrei SC 2-1 to claim a full three points at the MDSA Ground, while Tura witnessed the only draw of the day as Chipakkore FC and Warima Youth Club played out a 1-1 draw at the Chandmari Ground.
Four matches are scheduled for Day 3, on Monday, one in each of the venues.
Monday’s fixtures:
Group A, Shillong – Umrit vs Seng Samla Laitryngew, 3pm
Group B, Jowai – Mulait United vs Youth Club Pdengkarong, 2:30pm
Group C, Mawkyrwat – Seven United vs Lumdiengngan, 3pm
Group D, Tura – Selsella Sports Association vs Wasa FC, 3pm