MSL 2023: Mawlai, Lajong, Mulait United dominate opposition

Shillong, May 27: Donlad Diengdoh scored a second hat-trick of the Meghalaya State League 2023 as Mawlai soared past Umrit 7-0 in Group A at the MFA Turf in Shillong today.

The other results saw Mulait United roll past Sein Pynbhalang 5-1 in Group B at the Kiang Nangbah Stadium in Jowai, while defending champions Shillong Lajong blanked Pyndengrei 3-0 in Group C. Selsella Sports Association, meanwhile, blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Chipakkore in Group D.

Mawlai have had a perfect start to their first season of the MSL, now with four wins in four outings and a full 12 points in their kitty, and are well and truly on top of Group A. Donlad Diengdoh (3′, 9′, 29’P, 45’+1) made light work of the opposition by scoring as many as four goals in the first half, his third being a penalty. Goals from Kenstar Kharshong (11′) and Robert Khongriah (21′) made it 6-0 at the break.

Mawlai could have had many more but only scored one goal in the second 45 minutes, with Donborlang Nongkynrih (57′) spotting an opportunity after Umrit fluffed a short goal kick.

This was the first time that Mawlai, who have been imperious throughout the competition, have managed a clean sheet and it came even with their first choice goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu suspended due to a red card in the previous fixture.

The other Shillong team in action today were the reigning champions at the MDSA Ground in Mawkyrwat. Lajong’s Shano Tariang (12′, 57′) scored a brace and Sambor Kharsahnoh (89′) contributed a goal at the end of the match to take SLFC to second in Group C, now with 6 points to Seven United’s 8. Lajong, though, have two games in hand.

In Jowai, A fumble by Sein Pynbhalang’s goalkeeper Leiborki Ymbon in the 41st minute gave Mulait the first goal of the match. A diagonal long ball into the box bounced high and the goalie got his gloves to the ball but somehow tipped it into his own net. The goal was awarded to Lamphrang Paslein.

Ymbon had little time to shake that off when Mulait United came attacking once again. This time he dived over a cross and Lency Swer (43′), who came on as a substitute in only the 18th minute, was waiting behind and simply tapped in the second goal. Swer (66′) got his brace in the second half before Romarius Laban (76′) and Rimonki Lamurong (90’+5) added their names to the scoresheet; the latter goal happened to be the 50th scored in Jowai during MSL 2023.

However, Mulait were not able to maintain a clean sheet thanks to an inch perfect free-kick in the 87th minute taken by Tympang Tangliang of Sein Pynbhalang; the bottom side in the group could have scored more but for the fine efforts of Mulait custodian Bonaventure Surong.

At the Chandmari Ground in Tura, Selsella looked like they had the game in the bag before Chipakkore equalised with two goals in the last few minutes. Selsella took the lead after Sildish Momin (28′) hooked home a rebound that came off a corner kick and his team mate Sillingston Sangma doubled the lead in the 75th on his second attempt; a perfect cross into the box saw Sangma come in from behind but his tap was blocked by the keeper. However, it bobbled up right in front of the Selsella player, who made no mistake the second time around.

Johnfield A Sangma (80′) pulled a goal back five minutes later, beating a defender and the Selsella goalie Jack Marak to the ball. Chipakkore then found the equaliser after a handball in the box and the spot kick was converted by Harlee K Marak (90′).

Selsella continue to remain unbeaten in MSL 2023 but this was their third draw in four outings; if they had managed to convert a couple of results into victories, they would be at the top of Group D but, as it happens, they are third on 6 points, behind Khliehmawlieh and Wa’sa FC (both 7). Chipakkore are fourth with 5 points.