Ri Bhoi upset strong contender East Khasi Hills; West Jaiñtia Hills humble home team
Tura, Jan 19: Ri Bhoi and West Jaiñtia Hills clinched their spot in the final of the U-18 Boys’ Football of the 5th Meghalaya Games held at P.A Sangma Football Stadium in Tura on Thursday.
Ri Bhoi set the tone early in the first semifinal match, as Fairwin Nongkseh netted a beautiful goal in the 3rd minute, followed by Melver’s brilliant lob shot in the 6th minute, giving Ri Bhoi a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Coming back for the second half, East Khasi Hills’ boys pulled up their socks and started to dominate ball possession. The momentum that the team lacked in the first half ignited in the second half. Throughout the first 15 minutes of the second half, the game was only played in Ri Bhoi’s half, but not a single shot could pass through Ri Bhoi’s goalkeeper. The boys from East Khasi Hills kept their nerves, and in the 78th minute, they pulled back one goal, restoring their confidence. Despite having many chances, all were wasted. Ri Bhoi boys were overjoyed to hear the final whistle blow. With the 2-1 win against East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi boys join their Women’s team in the Gold Medal match scheduled for Friday.
In the second semifinal match, the P.A Sangma Stadium was packed with not fewer than three thousand West Garo Hills supporters, coming to cheer for their District Football team. Although West Jaiñtia Hills showed their class from the start of the match, West Garo Hills did not lag behind; except for the fact that they lacked the finishing touch. West Jaiñtia Hills dominated ball possession throughout the entire game, but the boys from West Garo Hills did have their chances that sent the crowds into a frenzy. West Jaiñtia Hills opened their scoring with a free kick from 20 yards, scored by Dawansalanmi Malang in the 14th minutes of the first half. And that score remained going into the half-time.
Returning for the second half, the West Garo Hills boys came back stronger and started playing one-touch football, but they lost possession whenever the ball was in their offensive position. However, Tiros Kyndait sealed the match for West Jaiñtia Hills with a goal in the 60th minute. Even though West Garo Hills might have lost their chance to win Gold or Silver, they did win their supporters’ hearts. Throughout the entire 90 minutes, the West Garo Hills supporters did not stop cheering for their team.
With the conclusion of the semifinals, Ri Bhoi will face West Jaiñtia Hills in the final match, while West Garo Hills will compete against East Khasi Hills for Bronze in the third-place match scheduled for Friday at the P.A Sangma Football Stadium.
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