Shillong, Nov 3: Shillong Lajong became the first team to book their place in the Quarterfinals of the Meghalaya State League 2024 by winning their final Group E game against Mawtari Myrdon 4-0 in Wahiajer on Saturday.
Yohaan Benjamin (17′), Deibormame Tongper (19′, 66′) and Rimankhraw Kharumnuid (29′) saw the 2019 MSL champions through to the next round, ensuring that they top the group with a full 9 points. Mawtari Myrdon are on 6 points and still have hope of progressing as one of the two best second-placed teams but they will have to wait until the other groups finish their matches to find out whether they survive or not.
Rymbai Skhenshynriah moved to the top of Group D in Khliehriat with a huge 5-0 win against Iatyllilang Lumsehkot Raliang. Hesmiki Rymbai (4′, 60′), Iaishah Bareh (61′) and Md Aruwas Khan (75′, 82′) took their team to first place based on a goal difference when compared to defending champions Rangdajied United (+5 to +2).
Group A is the closest of all 6, with the top 3 teams separated by just a point with one round to go. Pinggera Do·gisik’s Jerime B Marak (40′) and Trainingbath M Sangma (90’+1) secured a 2-0 win over Atong Matgrik yesterday in Tura. Pinggera Do·gisik and Lumsohkhlur both have 3 points, while Chipakkore have 4.
There was a see-saw fight in Group F as Seng Samla Mawmluh went behind early before beating Patharkhmah 5-3 in Shillong. Ksankupar Khongngain (19′, 45’+1), Damutskhemlang Thabah (20′) and Balajiedlang Lyngwa (46′, 70′) scored for Mawmluh, while Banpyndap Dkhar (13′), Damanbha Wahlang (47′) and Newbirthson Sankli (50′) did so for Patharkhmah.
In Group C Ladthadlaboh secured a second straight win with a 2-0 result over Nangkiew Shaphrang Lumdiengngan. Banteilang Shylla (25′) and Samuel Phawa (41′) were the scorers of the two first half goals in Tyrsad.
Comeback Town Mawkyrwat delivers again
Group B, meanwhile, saw Khliehmawlieh staring at defeat after Riangdo Youth took a 2-0 lead in Mawkyrwat through Philip Nongsiej (29′) and Batskhemlang Thongnirit (63′) but, at a venue famous for dramatic turnarounds, Samuel Shadap (66′, 85′) and Kyntiewbor Myrthong (90’+2) secured a last-gasp victory.
This is the third time this season that a team has gone on to win from a losing position in Mawkyrwat. Khliehmawlieh were leading in the group opener on 28 October before Mawten fought back to take the contest 2-1. In the next fixture, Riangdo Youth seized the lead in the third minute only for Sutnga to storm back as 4-1 winners.
Arguably the biggest turnaround in recent times was in last year’s MSL. Shillong Lajong had won the first leg of their semifinal against Rangdajied United 3-0 and came to Mawkyrwat for the second leg brimming with confidence. RUFC, however, netted three goals in 90 minutes and then won the penalty shootout to move to the final, which they ultimately triumphed in.
Saturday’s results:
Group A (Tura): Atong Matgrik 0 – 2 Pinggera Do·gisik
Group B (Mawkyrwat): Riango Youth 2 – 3 Khliehmawlieh
Group C (Tyrsad): Ladthadlaboh 2 – 0 Nangkiew Shaphrang Lumdiengngan
Group D (Khliehriat): Iatyllilang Lumsehkot Raliang 0 – 5 Rymbai Skhenshynriah
Group E (Wahiajer): Mawtari Myrdon 0 – 4 Shillong Lajong
Group F (Shillong): Seng Samla Mawmluh 5 – 3 Patharkhmah
Tomorrow’s fixtures (Kick-off at 2PM):
Group A (Tura): Lumsohkhlur vs Atong Matgrik
Group B (Mawkyrwat): Khliehmawlieh vs Sutnga
Group C (Tyrsad): Ladthadlaboh vs Seven United
Group D (Khliehriat): Rangdajied United vs Iatyllilang Lumsehkot Raliang
Group E (Wahiajer): 7 Wasa United vs Seinbhalang Shkentalang
Group F (Shillong): Patharkhmah vs Mawlai
(Meghalaya Football Association photo. Ladthadlaboh in green/white, Nangkiew Shaphrang Lumdiengngan in red)