Shillong, Jan 8: The Republic Cup, an U-16 football tournament organised by the Meghalaya Football Players Association, kicked off on Monday morning at Third Ground, Polo.
Two fixtures were held on the opening day. In Group A Nongthymmai Football Coaching Centre and Lumshyiap FC played out a 1-1 draw, while the second game, in Group B, saw Upper Shillong steamroll Mawpat FC 7-0.
The tournament, which features 10 teams in all, is supported by the East Khasi Hills district administration and the East Khasi Hills District Sports Office. In keeping with the name, the final of the competition will be held on Republic Day, January 26.
In the 9:00am kick-off, Mekeriaki Khyriem put Nongthymmai into the lead in the 26th minute before Andy Joey Laloo restored parity for Lymshyiap in the 58th minute.
The second match, however, was a goal fest, with all seven of Upper Shillong’s goals scored by the 37th minute. The scorers were Kitboklang Thangkiew (6′), Ezekiel L Tron (10′, 37′), Ferdonald Kharbuki (16′), Sion Kharjana (25′), Lewstarwell Lyngdoh (27′) and Ailumbha Rapsang (31′).
Tomorrow Umroh SC and NorthEast United FC will face off at 9:00am in Group A, while Langsning FC take on Rympei SC at 11:00am in Group B.
(Photo of the Nongthymmai and Lumshyiap teams, officials and dignitaries contributed by the Meghalaya Football Players Association)
