Shillong, Oct 2: Mawryngkneng SC held off Umpling SC for a 3-2 win in the final of the Shillong Sports Association’s Third Division 2024 at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Mawryngkneng scored in the first half via a penalty and there were two goals for each side in the highly entertaining second half. The match ended just before a torrential downpour that forced the prize distribution ceremony to be held in the stands.
Umpling conceded a penalty through a handball in the box and Kamphylla Dkhar converted this in the 32nd minute by scoring to the right of goalkeeper Arvinson Nongrum, who dived left.
It was disastrous for Umpling at the start of the second half as Mawryngkneng scored straight out of the blocks. A long ball saw Arvinson come out to meet it but he misjudged it as it bounced in front and over him, allowing Banker Mynsong (46′) to ease it into the back of the net.
That could have taken the wind out of Umpling’s sails but credit to them that they didn’t give up and Mebankitdor Nongkynrih pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute with a superb strike that went in off the crossbar.
However, Mawryngkneng restored the two-goal margin after Mebanwell Kharsati (76′) scored off a free-kick.
Umpling then won a penalty of their own, either for handball or some other infraction. Captain Larrykupar Kharnaior (83′) stepped up and converted it, leaving everyone at the ground on the edge of their seats for the last 10 minutes or so. Larry’s goal also happened to be the 200th of the Third Division this year.
Mawryngkneng held on for victory and received their cheque of Rs 80,000 from Danny Pariat of the Shillong Recreation Ground Trust, which sponsors the Third Division. The trophy was presented to the winning team by SSA President Banteidor Lyngdoh. Umpling received Rs 40,000 as runners-up.
Individual awards were also presented at the prize distribution ceremony. Mebalabiang Myrboh, the Mawryngkneng captain, was the Player of the Final and there were three joint top scorers – Mawryngkneng’s Banker plus Dekoster Nongrum and Kordinus Kharkongor, both of Mawpat. They all scored five goals each.
Both finalists plus the two other semifinalists, Mawpat SC and Tynring SC, will be promoted to the Second Division 2025.