Shillong(Meghalaya), May 22: The semifinals are set in Group A, and there’s heartbreak for the defending champions. Nongkseh SSCC and Shillong Lajong FC booked the last-four berths in the 5th Meghalaya State League on Thursday, after decisive wins that shut the door on Mawlai SC.
Nongkseh cruised past bottom-placed Rangdajied United 4-1 to top the group with 11 points. Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw opened his tournament account in the 30th minute, but the real damage came after the break. Khrawkupar Jana struck twice in seven minutes, 56’ and 63’, with Sheen Sohktung slotting home in between at 59’. Pasborlang Khonglikong pulled one back for RUFC in the 76th, beating keeper Guidle Syiemlieh on the run.
The real drama came in the second game. Lajong edged Mawlai 1-0 in a tense, end-to-end clash to move to 10 points and kill Mawlai’s title defence. Fridison Wanniang smashed home a left-footed rocket in the 72nd minute, seconds after substitute Emanbha Marbaniang set him up with his first touch.
Mawlai’s defence lived dangerously in the first half. Keeper Lambhamiki Lamare was under fire from the opening minute when Deibormame Tongper tested him, and Fridison forced another save in the 20th. Mawlai had their moment too, with Fairming Suting rattling the woodwork in the 12th. Both sides missed key players to suspension, but Lajong coach Bobby L Nongbet’s halftime switch paid off.
The math is now brutal for Mawlai. Sitting third with 7 points, they can’t catch the top two even if they beat Nongkseh on Monday and Lajong lose to Rangdajied, because Lajong own the head-to-head after beating them twice. RUFC remain on zero.
Group B returns Friday. Nangkiew Irat SC face Maram FC at 2 pm, looking to repeat their 7-1 first-leg win. Langsning FC take on Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC at 6 pm, after winning the reverse fixture 3-0.
