Shillong, Jan 12: There were two enthralling matches in the U-16 Republic Cup here on Friday, with NorthEast United and Little Star Football Academy playing out a 2-2 draw, while Rympei held off some late pressure from Sohra for a 2-1 victory.
In the Group A clash, both NorthEast United and Little Star held the lead for a while, but the match ended in a draw.
Beki Nongrang scored first for Little Star in the 14th minute but Dajiedlang Wanshnong levelled the proceedings with a goal in the 27th minute. NEUFC then took the lead in the 40th minute through Jehova Lalthangsanga. Nongrang, however, was not done yet and pulled off his second goal of the game in the 66th minute for the draw and shared points between the two sides.
The later game, in Group B, saw Rympei take a two-goal lead via strikes from Aiborlang Syiemlieh (31′) and Sngievanpynsuk Kurbah (45′) before Sohra got themselves back into the contest with a 51st minute goal from Mebanshan Laloo. Sohra then pressed for the equaliser, but Rympei held on for the full three points.
Two games were scheduled for Saturday, but these have had to be postponed. The Republic Cup will thus return on Monday.
(Photo of Rympei (green) and Sohra (red) contributed by the Meghalaya Football Players Association)
