Shillong (Meghalaya), May 29: Nongkseh SSCC are one win from a fairytale title after blowing past Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC 3-0 in the first semifinal of the 5th Meghalaya State League at a packed SSA Stadium today.
Arlangky Nongsiej opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and Nongkseh turned the screw after the break with Chesterpaul Lyngdoh striking in the 75th and Hardy Cliff Nongbri finishing it off in the 86th. Hardy, who delivered the corner for the opener and added a blistering right-footer from distance, was named Hello Meghalaya Man of the Match, collecting Rs 10,000 and a memento from NEIGRIHMS Director Dr. Nalin Mehta.
Shkenshynriah, roared on by a strong travelling support, matched Nongkseh for pace early in the second half and nearly levelled when a poor back pass forced keeper Guidle Syiemlieh into a crunching challenge. Guidle limped off soon after, replaced by Daraphun Tlang, and Shkenshynriah lost their momentum.
Nongkseh should have been further ahead but missed chances through Khrawkupar Jana and Shano Tariang. Chesterpaul made no mistake from an Aibiangmame Nongneng cross, and Hardy’s late strike sealed a debut semifinal win for the East Jaintia Hills side.
