Williamnagar, May 9 :Balmanduri FC signed off from the 5th Meghalaya State League with a 1-0 win against Group G toppers Janepih YSCA in the last of the 104 group matches held today at Williamnagar. Jurisbirth Marak struck the only goal of the game in the 24th minute. Janepih, already confirmed in first place before kickoff, rested several key players, while Balmanduri could not improve their fourth-place finish but ended their campaign on a high.
Attention now shifts to the pre-quarterfinals where the best 16 of the 33 teams that began MSL 5 will face off in a straight knockout round. The winners will move into the Round of 8, which will feature two groups of four teams in a second-round robin stage. This edition is the biggest yet, partly to give players maximum game time as part of efforts to raise standards and to meet All India Football Federation requirements on minimum matches per team. The Meghalaya Football Association, with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, has further professionalized operations, using the AIFF’s Competition Management System and Centralized Registration System.
All Round of 16 matches will be played on Monday. Six of the seven venues will kick off at 2pm. Shillong’s SSA Stadium will host a double-header at 1pm and 5:30pm. Monday’s fixtures see Nangkiew Irat SC take on Khimusniang SC in the early match at SSA Stadium, followed by Nongkseh SSCC versus Mawphu SC. At Amlarem’s Ladjaplem, Mawlai SC face Thangskai Tiger SC. Shillong Lajong FC meet Mishon SSCC at Wahiajer Sports Complex. Group G winners Janepih YSCA play Rangdajied United FC at the WDSA Ground in Williamnagar. Khliehriat’s Deinchynrum hosts Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC against Amlarem SC. Langsning FC take on Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC at Dommawlum in Mairang, while Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun play Maram FC at the MDSA Ground in Mawkyrwat
