Shillong, Jul 9: Laitumkhrah had to dig deep but overturned a one goal deficit to beat Iateliang of Lamlyer 4-1 in their Group E match of the Shillong Sports Association’s U-20 Fourth Division 2025 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground here today.
The other game of the day also finished 4-1, in favour of Laitlulong against Mawpdang in Group D.
This is the third time in four games that Laitumkhrah have scored four goals but it was the first time this season where they conceded first, through a long-range stunner from Iateilang’s Wankitbok Kharumnuid (4′).
Iateilang then went on to hold the lead for nearly an hour before conceding the equaliser to Dapmain Nongsteng (57′) who scored off his second attempt in a goalmouth melee. The game went completely Laitumkhrah’s way after that – Hamlet Thabah (70′) stole the ball off a defender following a short goal kick before turning in a beauty of his own, Dabetskhem Rympei (78’P) converted a penalty after a rough tackle in the box and Hamlet (80’+1) bagged a second after the Iateilang goalkeeper slipped while trying to clear the ball.
Their perfect record means that Laitumkhrah will go through to the second round as the top team from Group E. Iateilang still have a shot for second place but they will need an absolutely huge win against bottom side Krang and hope that New Challenger defeat Mawnianglah. Both of those matches are set for 12th July. If that happens, all three teams would be on 6 points each and goal difference would come into play (Iateilang defeated New Challenger and Mawnianglah beat Iateilang, meaning that head-to-head wouldn’t apply).
Later, Laitlulong were also chasing after Mawpdang scored only their second goal of the season through Vishalstar Nongbri (11′). Laitlulong were able to equalise in the first half, though, thanks to Bankerlang Khardewsaw (36′), who would add a second goal in the 63rd minute. Bankerlang has been perfectly consistent, scoring in each of Laitlulong’s four games. The other two goals today were provided by Donkupar Kharbani (58′, 79′).
Laitlulong stay in third place but they could still take second if Mawphlang lend them a hand by beating Pommura on 11th July in the last Group D fixture. Laitlulong and Pommura drew their meeting and the latter currently lead on goal difference (+4 to +2).
Tomorrow’s fixtures:
Pynthorbah vs Nongkohlew, Group B, 1:30PM
Mawshbuit vs Laitkroh, Group A, 4PM
(TSR photo. Iateilang in white, Laitumkhrah in yellow/blue)