Shillong (Meghalaya), May 18: Nongkseh SSCC went top of Group A in the 5th Meghalaya State League quarterfinals with a 2-1 win over Shillong Lajong FC at SSA Stadium this evening, ending SLFC’s nine-match winning streak in what is shaping up as Shillong’s new derby.
Sheen Sohktung (67’) and Mebankhraw Wahlang (69’) struck in quick succession from set-pieces to seal it for Nongkseh after a cautious first half played before a packed crowd. Lajong’s Wilbert Marbaniang had the best early chance in the 9th minute, but his shot was punched away by Nongkseh keeper Guidle Syiemlieh. The result puts Nongkseh on 7 points from three games, with Lajong second on 6.
In the earlier match, defending champions Mawlai SC picked up their first quarterfinal win with a 2-1 victory over Rangdajied United FC. Basuklang Bina threaded a fine left-footed finish through defenders for a 39th-minute lead, but RUFC drew level on the stroke of half-time through a Mebannangkiew Thabah penalty (45+1’) after a box foul. Torrential rain made the second half heavy, but Mawlai handled the conditions better and substitute Kevin Rymbai tapped in a Jestibor Mawlong cross in the 61st to restore the lead. Both sides had goals disallowed for offside in the first half.
Mawlai now have 4 points from three games, while Rangdajied remain on 0. RUFC have played competitively and lost all three matches by single-goal margins, but their semifinal hopes now look slim.
Tomorrow in Group B, Nangkiew Irat SC face leaders Langsning FC at 2pm followed by Maram FC against Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC at 6pm.
