Shillong, Apr 27: Mawlai SC defeated Sikkim Brotherhood 3-1 in their first match of Group A in I-League 3 at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal today.
Wadshwa Latoo (51′) and Basuklang Bina (61′, 75′) scored the goals for Mawlai and Sourav Biswas (76′) for Sikkim Brotherhood.
The first 45 minutes were goalless but the game came to life in the second half when Damanbhalang Chyne crossed from deep on the left. Wadshwa controlled the ball and then booted it powerfully into the back of the net, past opposing goalkeeper Debnath Mondal.
Then it was the turn of Basuklang. Fairming Suting made a good run into the box, passed to Robertson Khongriah, whose attempt hit the crossbar and came back down into play, straight, it seemed, to Basuklang who needed the gentlest of touches to get it to cross the line.
Fairming was the provider of the third goal, this time from the right flank where he cut the ball to the unmarked Basuklang, who, again, needed just one touch to sent it into the back of the net.
Sikkim Brotherhood pulled a goal back just a minute later but that was the only hiccup for Mawlai, who secured victory to get their campaign off to a positive start.
Today’s other match in the group saw home side FC Raengdai beat ARA FC of Gujarat 3-0.
Mawlai will next be in action against Sunrise Club of Odisha at 9AM at the same venue.
Mawlai squad today:
Lambhamiki Lamare (GK), Arkibor Makhroh, Shariwell Lyngdoh (sub Arkini Laloo 74′), Verjelous Shylla, Damanbhalang Chyne, Robertson Khongriah, Wadshwa Latoo, Samlang Rympei, Ricky Chyne, Fairming Suting, Basuklang Bina (sub Vincent Shyrmang 90’+4)