Shillong, May 6: Amlarem SC defeated reigning champions Mawlai SC 2-1 in the last Group C match of the 5th Meghalaya State League in Amlarem today.
Mawlai had already secured their place in the pre-quarterfinals before Wednesday but the match meant everything to Amlarem, who needed to win in order to qualify for the Round of 16.
In an electrifying start for the home team, Wantiwjune Buam scored in the very first minute but Mawlai equalised in the 15th through Batskhemlang Thongnirit. Wantiwjune then returned a second goal in the 76th minute and this proved to be the winner. Amlarem moved to second place in the standings with 10 points, behind Mawlai’s 13. Defeat brings to an end Mawlai’s 11-game unbeaten streak in the MSL going back to their victorious 2024-25 campaign.
In Mawkyrwat, 2023 champions Rangdajied United FC experienced a second straight loss, this time to Mawten SC 1-0. Lastbornson Marwein scored the only goal in the 12th minute of the Group H contest.
The result leaves three teams on 8 points each – Rangdajied, Mawten and Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun. The MSL uses head-to-head results to separate teams tied on points and the Meghalaya Football Association’s tournament committee will confirm the standings in this group in due course.
There was no such issue in Group A where a spirited Khimusniang SC held Nongkseh SSCC to a 1-1 draw at Shillong’s SSA Stadium. The result means that Nongkseh top the group, with Khimusniang second.
There was tremendous support for both teams, but it was Nongkseh’s sky-blue clad fans who cheered first when Shano Tariang scored in the 56th minute.
However, Khimusniang, in their green and white strip, responded through Dawanbiangmi Passah (75′), who has certainly caught the eye of many a football enthusiast, coach and selector in MSL 5. A diagonal ball towards him on the left flank came off the head of a Nongkseh defender and into his path. Dawanbiangmi chested the ball down and struck a powerful right-footer into the net to equalise.
In Mairang, Langsning FC powered to a 5-0 victory over Mishon SSCC thanks to Samuel Phawa (26′, 42′), Kyrmenskhem Mukhim (32′) and tournament top scorer Nelson Rymbai (57′, 90′). Langsning were already assured of first place but Mishon have one more match to play, against Lawbah SC on 8 May. That game will decide who joins Langsning in the next round.
There were also three dead rubbers where the result had no bearing on the standings.
In Williamnagar, Group G saw second-placed Maram FC take down bottom side Attong Matgrik FC 6-1. Easter Salchang Ch Sangma (36′, 37′, 61′), Santosh Teron (56′), Tremarchwal Ch Marak (68′) and Raksabirong G Sangma (81′) were Maram’s scorers. Sengsu G Momin (63′) scored Attong Matgrik’s goal.
Khliehriat witnessed Group D leaders Rymbai Shkenshynriah defeat Jalaphet Moochut Pyrdung SC 5-2. Monush Lapang (1′), Iaishah Bareh (44′, 68′), Defence Nongtdu (90′) and an 80th minute own goal accounted for Shkenshynriah’s tally, while Daboomi Bareh (75′) and Davidson Bareh (79′) struck late for Jalaphet Pyrdung.
Group B also saw a big win for the leaders over the bottom side. Here, at Shillong’s MFA Ground, Nangkiew Irat SC won 6-2, with four goals by Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw (2′, 19′, 24′, 80′) and one each from Banshanlang Nongdhar (40′) and Neblejohn Lyngkhoi (84′). Mulang ended their campaign with strikes from Pynshngainlangki Hinge (75′) and Charmingstar Sungoh (82′).
There will be two matches on Thursday, both to kick off at 3pm. In Wahiajer’s Group E, Lamyrsiang SCC will take on Iatyllilang Lumsehkot CSC while in Williamnagar’s Group G A’chik SCO Rongjeng will face Balmanduri FC.
