Shillong, May 5: Shillong Lajong FC and Janepih YSCA reinforced their dominance by retaining top positions in their respective groups after Matchday 5 of the Meghalaya State League on Tuesday.

Shillong Lajong registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over Lamyrsiang SCC in Group E at Wahiajer, continuing their consistent run at the summit. In Group G, Janepih YSCA delivered another commanding performance, defeating A’chik SCO Rongjeng 4-1 at Williamnagar. Goals from Akhebor Langrin (45’), Pynshailang Kharsyntiew (55’) and a brace by Rishembhalang Wanniang (66’, 75’) sealed the win, while Klubarth M Sangma (65’) scored a consolation for ASCOR — notably the first goal conceded by Janepih in seven matches.

In Group B, Mawphu SC secured qualification for the pre-quarterfinals after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mawlum Tyrsad SCC at the MFA Ground in Shillong. Mawlum took the lead through Ebetstar Nongbet in the 25th minute before Banman Roy Nongsiej equalised in the 39th. The result ensured Mawphu’s progression to the Round of 16 as runners-up from the group.

Group C witnessed an eight-goal thriller in Amlarem, where Laskein SCSC edged Lamin XI SCC 5-3. Bundaki Lamare led the charge with a hat-trick (11’, 17’, 57’), while Rithrangmiki Biam (69’) and Wailad Damei Biam (90’+1) added to the tally. Lamin XI responded late through Densil Kongwang (63’, 90’+2) and Genial Lamin (90’+3), but the comeback proved insufficient. The result lifted Laskein to provisional second place, with qualification hinging on the outcome of the Amlarem SC vs Mawlai SC fixture.

In Group F at Mairang, Umlakro SC defeated Lawbah SC 5-2 to climb to third place. Rishan Nonghyndah (19’), Jewelstar R Marak (55’) and a hat-trick from Chaster Makhroh (68’, 76’, 80’) powered the victory, while Lawbah scored through Nakibanshan Wanshnong (42’) and Steppingstone Wanshnong (74’).

Mawshun SCC also moved to third in Group A after a dominant 6-1 win over Umkaber SCC at the SSA Stadium in Shillong. All goals came in the second half, with Bradley Masynting (62’, 76’ penalty), Iarborkhiathew Khongnoh (69’, 86’) and Niki Khonglam (87’) leading the scoring, alongside an own goal. Bateilang Kharbteng netted a late consolation for Umkaber.

Elsewhere, two matches ended in draws. In Group D at Khliehriat, Ladthadlaboh SC and Thangskai Tiger SC shared the spoils in a 2-2 encounter, with Andrew Nanghuloo (7’, 90’+3) scoring twice for Ladthadlaboh, while Phermedaki Syrti (65’) and Maiki Nongtdu (88’) struck for the Tigers.

A crucial Group H clash at Mawkyrwat also ended 2-2, as Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun came from two goals down to deny Mawlarshong SC. Dadapbor Marwein had given Mawlarshong a strong start with goals in the 38th minute and from the penalty spot in the 46th, but late strikes from Rangkynsaistar Mawsor (71’) and John Paul Mawsor (88’) salvaged a point for Umdang Pyllun. Rangkynsaistar extended his remarkable scoring streak to six consecutive matches.

The draw eliminated Mawlarshong SC from contention for a pre-quarterfinal berth, while Umdang Pyllun’s qualification will be decided in the final round of group matches.

Upcoming Fixtures (May 6, 3 PM):
Group A (SSA Stadium, Shillong): Khimusniang SC vs Nongkseh SSCC
Group B (MFA Ground, Shillong): Mulang SC Nongbah vs Nangkiew Irat SC
Group C (Amlarem): Amlarem SC vs Mawlai SC
Group D (Khliehriat): Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC vs Jalaphet Moochut Pyrdung SC
Group F (Mairang): Mishon SSCC vs Langsning FC
Group G (Williamnagar): Attong Matgrik FC vs Maram FC
Group H (Mawkyrwat): Mawten SC vs Rangdajied United FC

With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the race for knockout qualification intensifies across all groups.