Shillong, Dec 27: Laitkor SC and PFR Academy will meet in the final of the Shillong Sports Association’s Women’s Football League 2024 after both came through their respective semifinals at First Ground, Polo, here today.
It was a day of high drama as the two matches were intense and went down to the wire, with Laitkor beating Rangdajied United FC 5-3 on penalties, while PFR edged Lumparing SC 3-2 in regulation time.
Rangdajied, playing in their maiden Women’s League, ran twice runners-up Laitkor closer than anyone has this year with the 70 minutes of regulation time finishing all square at 2-2.
It took until the 53rd minute before a Rangdajied own goal broke the deadlock and put Laitkor into the lead but Eiladki Ksoo (60′) then netted the equaliser for RUFC on the hour.
However, two minutes later Sanfida Nongrum (62′) nudged Laitkor ahead once more but it was Eiladki (70’+2) again who restored parity and took the game to an ultimately fruitless extra time and then a tiebreaker.
It was here that the more experienced Laitkor had the measure over Rangdajied and won 5-3.
Later, PFR stretched out a two-goal lead thanks to Cynthia M Umlong (10′) and Betsheba Kharsyntiew (25′) before Marbarin Nongrum (35′) and Fragrancy Riwan (36′) pulled Lumparing level.
The force of nature that is Nisilia Majaw then scored in the 47th minute to give PFR victory.
The two finalists both emerged out of Group A and met in the first match of the season on 11th December, which Laitkor won. They will thus have the rather unusual privilege of opening a tournament and closing it as well, with the final to take place on 30th December.
Whichever side wins will be new Women’s League champions – Mawlai SC had won the previous two editions but did not participate this year.
(Photo contributed. Laitkor in blue, Rangdajied United in yellow/black)