Shillong (Meghalaya), May 6, Amlarem SC sent shockwaves through the 5th Meghalaya State League on Tuesday, edging reigning champions Mawlai SC 2-1 in a pulsating Group C decider at Amlarem to book a Round of 16 berth and end Mawlai’s 11-game unbeaten run.
With qualification on the line, hosts Amlarem wasted no time. Wantiwjune Buam struck inside the first minute to ignite the stands. Mawlai, who had already sealed a pre-quarterfinal spot, responded through Batskhemlang Thongnirit in the 15th minute. But Buam returned as the hero, firing home the winner in the 76th minute to lift Amlarem to 10 points and second place behind Mawlai’s 13. The defeat marked Mawlai’s first MSL loss since their title-winning 2024-25 campaign.
In Mawkyrwat, 2023 champions Rangdajied United FC were handed a second straight defeat, going down 1-0 to Mawten SC in Group H. Lastbornson Marwein’s 12th-minute goal proved decisive, leaving Rangdajied, Mawten and Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun locked on 8 points each. The Meghalaya Football Association will confirm the group standings on head-to-head criteria.
Group A delivered late drama at Shillong’s SSA Stadium as Khimusniang SC held leaders Nongkseh SSCC 1-1. Shano Tariang put Nongkseh ahead in the 56th minute, but Dawanbiangmi Passah replied with a superb right-footed strike in the 75th after chesting down a deflected diagonal ball. Nongkseh topped the group, with Khimusniang finishing second.
Mairang witnessed a statement win from Langsning FC, who dismantled Mishon SSCC 5-0. Samuel Phawa netted twice, Kyrmenskhem Mukhim added one, and tournament top scorer Nelson Rymbai struck a brace to seal an emphatic result. Langsning were already through as group winners, but Mishon will battle Lawbah SC on May 8 for the second qualifying spot from Group D.
Tuesday’s fixtures also featured three dead rubbers. In Williamnagar, Maram FC hammered Attong Matgrik FC 6-1 in Group G, led by Easter Salchang Ch Sangma’s hat-trick. Khliehriat saw Group D leaders Rymbai Shkenshynriah beat Jalaphet Moochut Pyrdung SC 5-2, with Iaishah Bareh scoring twice. At Shillong’s MFA Ground, Nangkiew Irat SC routed Mulang SC 6-2, with Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw hitting four goals.
The league resumes Thursday with Lamyrsiang SCC taking on Iatyllilang Lumsehkot CSC in Wahiajer’s Group E and A’chik SCO Rongjeng facing Balmanduri FC in Williamnagar’s Group G. Both matches kick off at 3 pm.
