Shillong, Aug 11: Playing like a well-oiled machine, reigning SPL champions Langsning smashed through Malki 4-1 at the JN Stadium here today.
Ebormi Buam got the opener for Langsning in the 37th minute and another four goals followed in the second half, one of which was for Malki.
Langsning’s other goals came through Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait (52′), Kynsaibor Lhuid (57′) and a rather amusing own goal by Malki goalkeeper Sbing Chyrmang (79′), though this was officially awarded to Kitboklang Pale, while Malki scored via Ousseynou Kamara in the 72nd minute.
Langsning had close to 70% possession in the first half as Malki gave the ball away too easily, firing long balls forward with no purpose. Langsning, meanwhile, had far better ball control and look even better than they did in last season’s SPL or the Second Division League earlier this year.
In the 37th minute Buam was passed the ball while in the middle of the box and he shot it low past Chyrmang for the opener.
The Malki goalie showed his mettle at the end of the half, however, when he gathered a blistering shot by Pale.
Pale was to prove doubly dangerous in the second half, using his super fast pace to make inroads into Malki territory.
In the 52nd minute he moved the ball up the right flank, flicked it left to Buam, who passed it to Lyngdoh Nonglait, who struck the goal, though there might have been a slight deflection on its way into the net.
Pale almost scored himself in the 56th minute, but his effort was put out for a corner. Then, in the very next minute Lhuid scored with a beautiful long-range shot that had a delicious curl on the ball to get it past Chyrmang.
Malki finally got one back in the 72nd minute when captain Ronnie Nongbri trapped a cross and Kamara finished the job by going past Frolicson Dkhar’s right palm.
If that gave the Malki players and fans some hope, it was squashed seven minutes later when Pale moved up the right again and chipped the ball towards goal, but it struck the crossbar and then bounced back, hit Chyrmang and crossed the line to the custodian’s great frustration.
This was Langsning’s second win in as many games and puts them level on six points with Rangdajied United, though Langsning are ahead on goal difference (+6 to +3) at the top of the table.
On Monday Nangkiew Irat will face Meghalaya Police at 4PM.
(Photo contributed by Malki SC. Malki are in blue, Langsning in red)
