Shillong, May 18: Rangdajied United FC stormed to a 6-0 victory over Sein Pynbhalang in their Group B match of the Meghalaya State League 2023 at the Kiang Nangbah Stadium in Jowai on Thursday.
Two other matches were also held on Thursday. In Group A’s Shillong match, Jyntru FC and Umrit SC played out a 1-1 draw at the MFA Turf while in Group D’s Tura match, Selsella Sports Association bagged a 3-1 victory against Warima Youth Club at the Chandmari Ground.
Rangdajied were hungry for goals as they knew that the Group B toppers could be decided by goal difference but they were rather wasteful, with two penalties missed and they were only 1-0 up with more than two-thirds of the game gone.
It was from then that the floodgates opened, thanks to a hat-trick from Tremiki Lamurong (63′, 76′, 77′), a brace by Banshanbha Khongsdam (19′, 75′) and a solitary strike by Wanlamsuk Nongkhlaw (90’+2). With this win, Rangdajied outperformed Ladthadlaboh SC, who had beaten Sein Pynbhalang 5-0 on 13 May.
In Tura, Warima went behind to Selsella’s Benjamin Marak in the 13th minute but brought the scores level in the 50th minute with a Charlie R Marak penalty conversion. Walseng Sangma (64′, 66′), however, provided a brace in double quick time with a sublime header and equally impressive left-footer.
Finally, in Shillong, it was Jyntru’s Badaminot Nongphlang who registered the first goal of the game in the 16th minute by scoring through the tiniest of openings between the Umrit goalkeeper and the upright. Later on, though, Umrit equalised when Donald Nongtri (63′) found space to take a short run before unleashing a shot low past the Jyntru goalie.
Friday will be a full day in MSL 2023, as there will be action in all four venues, including Group C’s Mawkyrwat where Riangdo YSCA will play their first game against Seven United. There will also be a huge Shillong derby between Mawlai SC and Langsning FC, which could be very important in deciding the fate of Group A.
Friday’s fixtures:
Group A, Shillong – Mawlai SC vs Langsning FC, 3pm
Group B, Jowai – Niaw Wasa United vs Mulait United, 2:30pm
Group C, Mawkyrwat – Riangdo YSCA vs Seven United, 3pm
Group D, Tura – Wasa FC vs Atong Matgrik FC, 3pm
