Shillong, May 11: All five of the big Shillong-based clubs – reigning champions Mawlai SC, Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh SSCC, Nangkiew Irat SC and Rangdajied United FC – won their respective 5th Meghalaya State League Round of 16 matches today, with Maram FC from West Garo Hills and Rymbai Shkenshynriah of East Jaintia Hills joining them in the next stage.
The match in Mairang between Langsning FC and Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC, however, had to be postponed because of unfavourable ground conditions brought about by heavy rain. The match will be moved to Shillong’s SSA Stadium and be held tomorrow at 6:45pm.
Today’s first game was at the SSA Stadium where Group B winners Nangkiew Irat had a hard-fought 2-1 win over Group A runners-up Khimusniang SC.
Neblejohn Lyngkhoi produced an excellent goal in the 31st minute and Nangkiew Irat doubled the lead before the half time break. Khimusniang defender Luckyness Khyriem was given a direct red card for committing a foul on Dibinroy Nongspung as the last man. The resulting free-kick thundered into the crossbar but the rebound fell favourably for Nangkiew Irat and Nikelson Bina (44′) took the opportunity to score with a left-footer.
There were further heated moments in the second half and Khimusniang’s fans were energised after their team won a penalty of their own. This was blocked by Nangkiew Irat goalkeeper Emerald Dan (whose brother Daemitre was in goal at the other end for Khimusniang) but Dawanbiangmi Passah (63′) was alert to the chance of a rebound and converted.
There were other chances for the Jowai-based club but luck was not on their side and they bowed out of the tournament after an impressive run of form.
In Amlarem, holders Mawlai were back at the top of their game as they simply cruised to an 11-0 victory against Thangskai Tiger SC. There were high hopes of a good contest as Thangskai, who were second in Group D, are a formidable side from East Jaintia Hills but they were unable to exert any dominance against the Group C winners.
Robertson Khongriah (13′, 18′, 32′) registered a treble, Wadshwa Latoo (56′, 81′) and Jestibor Mawlong (83′, 88′) a brace and Samlang Rympei (28′), Fairming Suting (45’+1), Kevin Rymbai (57′) and Basuklang Bina (59′) one each. This was the first occasion that Mawlai have played at full strength since returning from their I-League 3 campaign in Manipur.
On the other side were Shkenshynriah and Amlarem SC, who finished as winners of Group D and runners-up of Group C respectively. They were involved today at Khliehriat where Shkenshynriah, who were semifinalists in MSL 4, came through 2-0. Hesmiki Rymbai (7′, 26′) produced both goals in the first half to taken Shkenshynriah into the next round.
Another match that was expected to produce a close contest was that between Janepih YSCA and Rangdajied in Williamnagar. 2023 MSL champions Rangdajied had scraped into the Round of 16 by finishing second in Group H, while Janepih had completely dominated Group G.
Today, though, Rangdajied delivered when it mattered most, though they were taken to extra time by a spirited Janepih before winning 3-1. Mebannangkiew Thabah (30′) netted first for RUFC and it looked like they would hold on to a 1-0 lead throughout until Edyson Iawphniaw equalised in the 90th minute. The passionate football fans of Williamnagar, who turned out in great numbers to support the two neutral teams then got 30 minutes of extra time to enjoy and here Rangdajied were able to put a couple more goals past an exhausted Janepih thanks to Ricky Mawlong (98′) and Elnathan D Wahlang (107′).
2019 winners Shillong Lajong FC produced another solid display to knock out Mishon SSCC (Group F runners-up) 5-0 in Wahiajer. The Group E toppers sailed through thanks to a hat-trick by substitute Fridison Wanniang (57′, 81′, 86′). Deibormame Tongper (45’+2) and a 75th minute own goal. This was Lajong’s third 5-0 win this season and they have only conceded one goal in seven matches now.
In Mawkyrwat, Maram FC, the only team from Garo Hills left in the competition, pipped Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun 1-0 with 68th minute goal by Tremarchwal Ch Marak. Maram were second in Group G, while Umdang Pyllun had topped Group H.
The final match of the day was played under lights between Group A victors Nongkseh SSCC and Group B second-placed team Mawphu SC. Nongkseh scored twice on either side of half time through Hardy Cliff Nongbri (36′, 66′), Shano Tariang (45’+8) and Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (64′).
