Shillong, Jan 19: NorthEast United and Rympei became the first teams to qualify for the semifinals of the U-16 Republic Cup as both sides registered victories in their respective group stages matches in Shillong on Friday.
In Group A NorthEast United defeated Nongthymmai 4-0, while Rympei smashed past Mawpat 12-0 in Group B.
NEUFC have accumulated 10 points from their four matches, three ahead of Little Star. Rympei are tied at the top of Group B with seven points, but have a better head-to-head and goal difference than Sohra United, who have finished all of their group games.
Emboklang Nongkhlaw scored the 50th goal of Group A in the sixth minute to put NorthEast United ahead. Tangva Ragui then scored his first of the tournament in the 10th and then added another in the 68th minute just after team mate Dajiedlang Wanshnong (67′).
In the later game Aiborlang Syiemlieh (2′, 59′, 63′) and Sngiwanpynsuk Kurbah (6′, 51′, 55′) recorded hat-tricks for Rympei. Dawandappura Pathaw (25′, 31′) and Dawanpynbiang Pathaw (53′, 60′) both recorded a brace each, while Rodolf Marwein (11′) and Darylbert Khongriah (23′) picked up one each.
(Photo of Rympei (green) and Mawpat (blue) contributed by the Meghalaya Football Players Association)