Shillong (Meghalaya), May 16,: Neblejohn Kharbangar struck the first hat-trick of the 5th Meghalaya State League quarterfinals to power Nangkiew Irat SC to a 7-1 thrashing of Maram FC in Group B at SSA Stadium today. Dibinroy Nongspung opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Seiborlang Tado leveled for Maram six minutes later. After Banshanlang Dhar went off injured, substitute Sandy Kharkongor headed Nangkiew back in front in the 27th and then set up Neblejohn for a 39th-minute header. Neblejohn added a 57th-minute finish from a Sangti Janai Shianglong through ball and completed his treble with a 66th-minute penalty, with Ronaldkydon L Nonglait and Neblejohn again netting late to round off the win. It was Nangkiew’s first victory after losing to Shkenshynriah, while Maram slumped to a second straight defeat after their 7-0 loss to Langsning.
Langsning FC kept their perfect run alive with a 3-0 win over Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC to make it nine victories from nine. Donlad Diengdoh volleyed in a Kyrmenskhem Mukhim cross in the 14th minute and returned the favor before half-time to set up Kyrmenskhem for the second. Donlad picked up an injury and was replaced by Nelson Rymbai, who headed in a corner on the hour mark. Shkenshynriah had their moments with Rihokmi Tyngkan cleared off the line and Alwinson Bareh denied by Nister Roy Suting but could not breach Langsning’s defense.
Langsning top Group B with six points, followed by Shkenshynriah and Nangkiew Irat on three each. Despite Nangkiew’s better goal difference, head-to-head keeps Shkenshynriah second. On Monday in Group A, Rangdajied United FC meet Mawlai SC at 2pm before leaders Shillong Lajong FC take on second-placed Nongkseh SSCC at 6pm.
