Shillong, June 6: The last of the 66 group stage matches of the Meghalaya State League (MSL) 2023 took place on Tuesday, with defending champions Shillong Lajong winning against Riangdo 2-0 at the MDSA Ground in Mawkyrwat.

The phenomenal action has seen just shy of 300 goals scored (297 to be exact) across the four venues since the mega state-wide tournament, which brings together the best teams from all the affiliated district associations, began on May 12, plus a whole host of fantastic saves, terrific comebacks and more to delight the fans.

Shano Tariang (55′) and substitute Sangti Janai Shianglong (69′), who came on at the start of the second half, scored on Tuesday for Lajong in the Group C fixture. The 2019 champions had already secured their semi-final berth thanks to their strong previous results but still played Tuesday’s game with confidence and determination.

Now, all eyes will turn to the semi-final stage, which will involve Lajong and three other clubs – Mawlai from Group A, 2019 runners-up Rangdajied United from Group B, and Khliehmawlieh from Group D.

The draw for the semi-final fixtures was held in Shillong on Monday with four special guests in the form of star Meghalaya footballers Redeem Tlang, Aiban Dohling and Halen Nongtdu as well as FIFA Assistant Referee Ri-iohlang Dhar. It was overseen by MSL Tournament Director Wanshanbor Kharkrang in the presence of representatives of all four teams.

The semis will be conducted on a home-and-away basis, starting on June 10, with the second leg on June 13. The grand finale will be held at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, in Shillong on June 17. Further details on the venues and kick-off times will be shared in due course.

Khliehmawlieh were drawn with Mawlai, leaving Rangdajied to face Lajong in the other semi-final.

Khliehmawlieh were part of MSL 2019 but were unable to progress to the knockouts, while Mawlai are the only club in the last-four to make their debut appearance in the MSL this year.

Lajong and Rangdajied faced off in the MSL 2019 final in Khliehriat in what was an extremely close contest until the penalty shootout, which Lajong won 3-0. This year’s semi-final will thus be a repetition of that enthralling title match from four years ago but this time fans will get to see two of the biggest clubs in the state go head-to-head twice over two legs.