Shillong, May 6: Shillong Lajong FC and Janepih YSCA confirmed their hold on first place in their respective groups after both came through their 5th Meghalaya State League matches on Tuesday.
While Lajong were 3-0 victors over Lamyrsiang SCC in Group E at Wahiajer, Janepih beat A’chik SCO Rongjeng 4-1 in Group G at Williamnagar.
Meanwhile, Mawphu SC ensured their place in the pre-quarterfinals after holding off a determined Mawlum Tyrsad SCC in a 1-1 draw in Group B at Shillong’s MFA Ground.
Ebetstar Nongbet (25′) struck first for Mawlum Tyrsad but Mawphu equalised through Banman Roy Nongsiej (39′) later in the first half. Both sides had terrific support at the ground but it was Mawphu who will progress to the Round of 16 in second place from Group B.
At Williamnagar, Akhebor Langrin (45′), Pynshailang Kharsyntiew (55′) and Rishembhalang Wanniang (66′, 75′) scored for Janepih, while Klubarth M Sangma (65′) provided ASCOR’s goal – this happened to be the first goal Janepih have conceded in seven matches of MSL 5. That, however, will be scant consolation for ASCOR, who cannot make it to the Top 2 in Group G any longer.
At Amlarem, Group C saw Laskein SCSC take down Lamin XI SCC 5-3 in a goal fest. The win was vital as it took Laskein to provisional second place, though they will have to wait for tomorrow’s match between Amlarem SC and Mawlai SC to see whether they go through to the pre-quarters.
Bundaki Lamare (11′, 17′, 57′), Rithrangmiki Biam (69′) and Wailad Damei Biam (90’+1) scored for Laskein, while Lamin XI made the latter part of the game come alive with three goals through Densil Kongwang (63′, 90’+2) and Genial Lamin (90’+3).
Mairang saw almost the same result as Umlakro SC defeated Lawbah SC 5-2 in Group F. Rishan Nonghyndah (19′), Jewelstar R Marak (55′) and hat-trick scorer Chaster Makhroh (68′, 76′, 80′) found the back of the net for Umlakro, while Lawbah scored via Nakibanshan Wanshnong (42′), Steppingstone Wanshnong (74′). Victory took Umlakro off the bottom of the table but only up to third place.
Similarly, Mawshun SCC moved to third in Group A by rolling Umkaber SCC over 6-1 at Shillong’s SSA Stadium. All seven goals came in the second half, with Mawshun pulling off their first win thanks to Bradley Masynting (62′, 76’P), Iarborkhiathew Khongnoh (69′, 86′) and Niki Khonglam (87′). There was also a 71st minute own goal. Umkaber, meanwhile, found a consolation strike in the 88th minute by Bateilang Kharbteng
The other two fixtures both ended in 2-2 draws.
In Khliehriat’s Group D, Ladthadlaboh SC and Thangskai Tiger SC traded the lead before sharing points. Andrew Nanghuloo (7′, 90’+3) found the mark for Ladthadlaboh and Phermedaki Syrti (65′) and Maiki Nongtdu (88′) for the Tigers.
Although that game was inconsequential to the Group D table, the 2-2 draw in Group H was quite the opposite. Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun and Mawlarshong SC were both looking to go top of the table in Mawkyrwat but they needed a win in order to do so.
Mawlarshong started positively with a brace by Dadapbor Marwein (38′, 46’P) but Umdang Pyllun clawed their way back thanks to late goals by the ever consistent Rangkynsaistar Mawsor (71′) and John Paul Mawsor (88′). Rankynsaistar extended his scoring streak to all six matches of Umdang Pyllun – a remarkable effort.
The draw means that Mawlarshong are out of the running for a pre-quarterfinals place but Umdang Pyllun will have to wait 24 hours to know their fate on Saturday.
Wednesday’s fixtures (all to kick off at 3pm):
Group A (Shillong SSA Stadium) – Khimusniang SC vs Nongkseh SSCC
Group B (Shillong MFA Ground) – Mulang SC Nongbah vs Nangkiew Irat SC
Group C (Amlarem) – Amlarem SC vs Mawlai SC
Group D (Khliehriat) – Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC vs Jalaphet Moochut Pyrdung SC
Group E (Wahiajer) – No match scheduled
Group F (Mairang) – Mishon SSCC vs Langsning FC
Group G (Williamnagar) – Attong Matgrik FC vs Maram FC
Group H (Mawkyrwat) – Mawten SC vs Rangdajied United FC
