Shillong, Oct 30: Nongkseh SSCC came from behind to defeat Godavari FC 3-1 in a thrilling I-League 3 Group C encounter to secure qualification for the final round as group toppers with 9 points at the SSA Stadium here today evening.
After conceding an early goal through Sunil V in the 14th minute, Nongkseh responded through Shano Tariang (18’), Mebankhraw Wahlang (74’) and Dawanchwa Carlos Challam (77’) to complete an impressive comeback against a side that had won all three of its previous group matches.
Nongkseh entered the contest under considerable pressure following their defeat against Lakecity FC. With 6 points from three matches, they needed a win to guarantee their progress to the next stage. The home side responded with a compact and composed performance, maintaining their discipline while gradually taking control.
Godavari opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Sunil as he was running into the Nongkseh box with Suhail Pasha. The latter’s touch sent the ball into Sunil’s path and he struck it into the back of the net with power. The Nongkseh defenders appeared to believe Sunil was offside and made only a hesitant attempt to stop the attack. However, the assistant referee kept the flag down, allowing Sunil to capitalise on the opportunity and put Godavari ahead.
Nongkseh responded almost immediately, restoring parity in the 18th minute. Kynsaibor Lhuid produced a powerful attempt from outside the penalty area on the left flank, forcing Godavari goalkeeper Lakshay M to deal with the shot. The custodian failed to hold on to the ball and Shano Tariang reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.
From then on Nongkseh remained organised and looked increasingly threatening in attack.
Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri had opportunities to put his side ahead before the decisive goals arrived. In the 68th minute, substitute Aenam Jyrwa delivered an excellent cross from the left flank but Hardy’s attempt narrowly missed the target. Seven minutes later, Aenam produced another similar delivery, again finding the captain in a promising position. However, Hardy was unable to direct his effort on target, leaving the score unchanged.
Nongkseh eventually found the breakthrough in the 74th minute. Hardy delivered a corner into the Godavari penalty area, where Mebankhraw rose above the defenders to meet the ball with a powerful header, giving Nongkseh the crucial 2-1 lead. This was Meban’s first appearance in this campaign.
Three minutes later, Nongkseh extended their advantage with a well-constructed attacking move. Dawanchwa initiated the move by passing the ball to Hardy, who then linked up with Shano. Shano moved the ball to Kynsailang Khongsit on the right flank, and Kynsailang delivered a cross across the face of goal into the penalty area. Dawanchwa timed his run well and met the delivery with a superb low diving header, sending the ball into the net.
The goal gave Nongkseh a two-goal cushion and put them firmly in control of the contest. Having recovered from the early setback, they managed the remainder of the match with composure to secure a 3-1 victory.
Shano was named Player of the Match for his contribution, including the crucial equaliser that brought Nongkseh back into the contest.
With the victory, Nongkseh finished Group C at the top of the table with 9 points and qualified for the I-League 3 final round. The next stage will be contested on a round-robin basis by the four group winners and the two best second-placed teams across the groups.
Earlier in the day, Chhaygaon FC bowed out of the I-League 3 this season with a gigantic 7-0 victory over Kuppuraj FC.
In a battle to avoid the wooden spoon of the group, Kuppuraj were woeful in defence, letting in three goals in the first half and another four in the second, with only brief moments to suggest that they were giving it their all.
Rohan Manar (30′) headed in the first goal, Bankyrshan Syiemlieh (36′) blasted the second with a left-footer and Om Motghare (45′) headed in another before the break. Irengbam Nongdamba Meitei (62′) scored from a rebound in the second half, followed soon after by Kisbaphylla Synshiang. Rohan (73′) and Nongdamba (78′) completed the rout. Though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Thongbam Lanchenba Singh had an excellent game with three assists.
(Nongkseh SSCC photo)
