Shillong (Meghalaya), May 26: Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC are back in the Meghalaya State League semifinals. The East Jaintia Hills side needed only a draw but signed off the quarterfinal stage in style, crushing Nangkiew Irat SC 5-2 at the SSA Stadium today to book their second straight MSL last-four berth.
The goals all came after the break. Iaishah Bareh broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a cool finish past Emerald Dan. Nangkiew hit back instantly through Brolington Warlarpih’s deflected strike, but Hesmiki Rymbai blasted Shkenshynriah back in front in the 69th. A stunning free kick from Niponghi Sumer made it 3-1 before Justerwell Tham pulled one back to keep Nangkiew alive. Stoppage time belonged to Shkenshynriah though. Hesmiki grabbed his second in the 90+3 minute and Harita Suchen sealed the 5-2 rout a minute later, sending their fans into celebration.
Shkenshynriah finish Group B runners-up with 12 points. Nangkiew Irat end third on 9.
Earlier, Langsning FC confirmed top spot in Group B with a clinical 2-0 win over Maram FC. Donlad Diengdoh struck just before halftime and Nelson Rymbai doubled it three minutes after the restart. Langsning top the group with 15 points from five wins and one loss, the best tally across both quarterfinal groups. For Maram, six straight defeats close out a tough campaign, but the Tura champions take home hard lessons before defending their Super Division crown.
Group A winners Nongkseh SSCC and runners-up Shillong Lajong FC complete the semifinal line-up.
The semis are set under lights at the SSA Stadium. Nongkseh meet Rymbai Shkenshynriah on May 29, followed by Langsning against Lajong on May 30. Both kick off at 6pm. The final of the Meghalaya Football Association’s flagship tournament, backed by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, will be played on June 4.
