MSL 5: Nongkseh & Lajong qualify for Semis; holders Mawlai out

Shillong, May 22: Nongkseh SSCC and Shillong Lajong FC grabbed the two semifinal spots from Group A in the 5th Meghalaya State League by winning their respective quarterfinal league stage matches today.

While Nongkseh comfortably beat bottom side Rangdajied United 4-1, the second fixture of the day involving Lajong and Mawlai SC was far more enthralling.

Lajong’s 1-0 win thanks to a 72nd minute strike by Fridison Wanniang not only secured their berth in the semis but also ensured that reigning champions Mawlai would not be able to progress.

In the standings, Nongkseh lead the group with 11 points to Lajong’s 10 and Mawlai’s 7. RUFC have 0. Although there is still a round remaining, losing twice to Lajong means that Mawlai, based on head-to-head, cannot hope to reach the Top 2 even if they beat Nongkseh on Monday and SLFC lose to Rangdajied.

Mawlai lacked composure in defence during the first half but still managed to hold on, though rather desperately. Their custodian, Lambhamiki Lamare, was made to work overtime, from the very first minute in fact, when Deibormame Tongper tested him with a powerful shot on target. Fridison would do the same in the 20th minute but Mawlai also had their chances, with Fairming Suting rattling the woodwork in the 12th minute.

Both teams were somewhat understrength due to suspensions of key players but Lajong did not let that stop them. Coach Bobby L Nongbet brought on Emanbha Marbaniang in the second half and practically his first touch of the game was to set up Fridison’s thundering left-footer.

Earlier, Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw (30′) scored his first goal of the tournament but Nongkseh had to wait until the second half to stamp their authority on the game.

After a couple of missed opportunities, Khrawkupar Jana (56′, 63′) struck twice in quick succession on either side of Sheen Sohktung’s 59th minute goal. Rangdajied’s Pasborlang Khonglikong pulled one back in the 76th minute by beating Nongkseh goalkeeper Guidle Syiemlieh on the run.

The week will end with Group B action tomorrow. At 2pm Nangkiew Irat SC will face Maram FC; Nangkiew had won the first leg meeting 7-1. Then, at 6pm, Langsning FC will go up against Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC; in the reverse fixture Langsning had won 3-0.