Shillong, Apr 27: Big teams like Shillong Lajong FC, Nangkiew Irat SC and Khimusniang SC continued to win by large margins today in the 5th Meghalaya State League but there were results in several other groups that made things extra interesting.
Heavy rain was witnessed across the state today, which made playing conditions a challenge for the footballers. However, the Group F fixture between Lawbah SC and Mishon SSCC in Mairang could not take place at all due to the condition of the ground and will have to be rescheduled.
In Mawkyrwat, the Group H contest between Mawlarshong SC and Shillong giants Rangdajied United FC ended in a 0-0 draw. The first leg meeting had ended 1-1 and Mawlarshong have now managed to remain unbeaten in two meetings with the 2023 MSL champions.
The scoreline was the same in Williamnagar as the game between Janepih YSCA and Balmanduri FC was deadlocked over 90 minutes. Janepih had won all three of their previous Group H matches before today, so this was something of an upset for them.
In Khliehriat Thangskai Tiger SC were staring at possible defeat against Jalaphet Moochut Pyrdung SC in Group D but came from a goal down to win 2-1. After a goalless first half, Thomas Dkhar (53′) scored first for Jalaphet Pyrdung but the Tigers fought back through Wendi Markson Nongtdu (72′) and Solmon Sympli (87′).
Group C saw Amlarem SC win 3-1 against Lamin XI SCC. Iaid Da Kyrmen Jungai (4′) and Marshial Nongrum (27′, 83′) scored for the home side before Densil Kongwang (78′) reduced the margin for Lamin XI.
2019 champions Shillong Lajong came through 5-0 against Iatyllilang Lumsehkot CSC in Group E at Wahiajer. There was just one goal in the first half, scored through Lalmuansanga (25′) but Lajong added four in the second to run away with the game. The scorers were Colinsalmon Lyngdoh (56′), Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi (70′), Ricky Kharkongor (89′) and captain Wilbert D Marbaniang (90’+4).
It was a similar experience at the MFA Ground in Shillong where Nangkiew Irat won 5-0 against Mawlum Tyrsad SCC in Group B. Again, there was just one goal in a highly competitive first half, scored by Neblejohn Lyngkhoi (7′). Banshanlang Nongdhar (63′) then produced a flying header to score Nangkiew Irat’s second and super sub Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw (75′, 85′, 90′) netted a late hat-trick.
Finally, Group A saw another masterclass from Khimusniang, who beat Umkaber SCC 9-0 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong. Primrose Lamat (3′, 45’+2) scored twice to take his personal tally to nine goals now, while Meroily Lytan (12′, 89′), Dashngain Sukhlain (30′), Dawanbiangmi Passah (36′) and Civility Khongmalai (69′) also got on the score sheet. A 16th minute own goal also added to Khimusniang’s score.
(Meghalaya Football Association photo. Nangkiew Irat in red, Mawlum Tyrsad in white-blue)