Shillong, Oct 19: Nongkrem SC had to battle back from a goal down to beat Laitkyrhong SC 3-2 in the second semifinal of the Shillong Sports Association’s Second Division 2024 at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Meghalaya Police had won the first semifinal yesterday. Only the two finalists will be promoted to next season’s First Division.
Shngainlang Surong (6′) got Laitkyrhong off to a good start with an early opening goal but Zothanpuia Bawihtlung (14′) levelled for Nongkrem a few minutes later.
Wilbert Marbaniang (45’+3) then snatched the lead for Nongkrem just before the half time whistle and his team held on to that slim lead for almost the entire second half when Laitkyrhong earned a penalty and converted it via Samuel Suting (90’+1).
That suggested that the game would go to extra time but Donkupar Kharmyndai (90’+6) found a winning goal deep in stoppage time to make Nongkrem’s fans delirious.
Nongkrem had qualified for the semis after topping Group B, while Laitkyrhong were runners-up in Group A.
Unless there is change to the schedule, the final will take place on 25th October.
