Shillong (Meghalaya), April 16: The 5th Meghalaya State League erupted Wednesday as debutants Nangkiew Irat SC stormed past Mulang SC Nongbah 9-0 at MFA Ground, a ruthless opening salvo that set the day’s tone.
Three up at half-time through Sangti Janai Shianglong, Banshanlang Nongdhar, and Brolington Warlarpih, Nangkiew Irat turned the second half into a procession once Dawanlangki Susngi’s second yellow left Mulang a man down. Shianglong and Nongdhar each grabbed a second, Dibinroy Nongspung struck twice, and Restom Khriam closed the rout in the 90th minute.
The pedigree sides answered with grit. Defending champions Mawlai SC dispatched Amlarem SC 3-1 in a new MSL outpost, while 2023 winners Rangdajied United FC escaped Mawkyrwat with a 2-1 comeback after Wellberjune Lyngdoh’s first-half strike for Mawten SC. Firstborn Roy Khongsti levelled in the 69th and Freelyson Tariang buried the winner nine minutes from time.
At SSA Stadium, Umkaber SCC twice rose from behind to beat Mawshun SCC 3-2, Toberwel Marngar delivering the dagger in stoppage time after Pynshaibor Kharbteng’s brace had overturned Niki Khonglam’s opener and Bradley Masynting’s 72nd-minute equaliser. In Wahiajer, Shillong Lajong FC waited out a blank first half before Samchaphrang Lato, Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, and Banlamkupar Rynjah sealed a 3-0 over Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC.
Khliehriat hosted a Jaintia Hills grudge match decided by a captain’s touch, Phermedaki Syrti’s 68th-minute strike handing Thangskai Tiger SC a 1-0 over Ladthadlaboh SC. Maram FC edged A’chik SCO Rongjeng 3-2 in Williamnagar to complete a day where seven groups fired and two new venues roared. Tomorrow’s slate kicks off at 3 pm statewide, the bar already forged in goals and comebacks.
