Shillong, May 1: Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun pulled off the upset of the 5th Meghalaya State League by coming from a goal behind to beat 2023 champions Rangdajied United 2-1 in Group H at Mawkyrwat today.
Rangdajied started well with a 15th minute goal by Elnathan D Wahlang but a quick couple of strikes in the second half upended the match. The first from Umdang Pyllun was scored by Rangkynsaistar Mawsor (59′) and four minutes later Wanbhalang Mawsor (63′) gave his side the lead. Rangkynsaistar is the top scorer of Group H with six goals now to his name and he has found the back of the net at least once in each of his team’s five matches.
The result has thrown the group wide open, with Umdang Pyllun moving to provisional second place, though Mawlarshong SC are just 2 points behind with a game in hand. RUFC are the first Shillong-based club to lose this season and there is the very real possibility that they might not qualify for the pre-quarterfinals.
There was no such issue for 2019 champions Shillong Lajong FC, who sauntered to a 7-0 victory against Iatyllilang Lumsehkot CSC in Group E at Wahiajer. With this win, Lajong qualified for the next round.
Lalmuansanga (12′, 30’P), Hamedamanbha Wahlang (28′), Riborlang L Lyngkhoi (35′), Samchaphrang Lato (39′) and a 23rd minute own goal gave Lajong a 6-0 lead in the first half and substitute Emanbha Marbaniang (90’+3) added another in second half stoppage time.
Over in Mairang, Langsning FC took down Lawbah SC 9-0 in another imperious win in Group F. The group leaders, who are also through to the pre-quarters, scored through Samuel Phawa (10′, 36′), Damonlang Pathaw (12′, 50′), Donlad Diengdoh (27′, 32′), Dajiedlang Wanshnong (32′), Ronneychel Khongrangjem (38′) and Nelson Rymbai (79′). The latter is leading the race for Top Scorer in MSL 5 and has 12 goals now.
Joining Nelson on a dozen goals was Keri G Momin (11′, 38′, 73′) in Group G. He scored another hat-trick today as A’chik SCO Rongjeng trounced Attong Matgrik FC 5-0 in Williamnagar. Preioush N Sangma (12′) and Washbi Sangma (51′) were the other scorers.
It was also one way traffic in Khliehriat where Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC blanked fellow East Jaintia Hills team Thangskai Tiger 3-0. Both teams had already secured their places in the pre-quarterfinals even before today but Shkenshynriah now have guaranteed first place in Group D. Skilful Tariang (3′), Alwinson Bareh (56′) and Hesmiki Rymbai (78’P) were the scorers.
The other one-sided result of today’s action came from Group B at Shillong’s MFA Ground where Mawlum Tyrsad SCC kept their hopes of progressing alive with a 6-0 win against Mulang SC Nongbah. Ebetstar Nongbet (48′, 71′, 75′), Banshem Khongsit (8′), Fillbanstar Nongbet (86′) and Justlywell Jala (87′) got their names on the scoresheet. Although they remain in third place, Mawlum Tyrsad still have a pathway to second position so long as they can overcome Mawphu SC.
Finally, Laskein SCSC overturned a one goal deficit at the break to edge Amlarem SC 2-1 in Group C at Amlarem. Fiderme Dkhar (45′) put Amlarem in front only for Bundaki Lamare (65′) and Marsowki Suchiang (69′) to reverse the tide in the space of four minutes in the second half. This was Laskein’s first win after three draws and one loss and gives them hope of unseating Amlarem for second place.
(Meghalaya Football Association photo. Mawlum Tyrsad in white, Mulang Nongbah in blue)
