Shillong, May 21: Nangkiew Irat SC revived their campaign in the 5th Meghalaya State League with a stunning 3-1 victory over Langsning FC at the SSA Stadium here on Wednesday evening.
Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw (25’P) put Nangkiew Irat ahead from the penalty spot before substitute Kyrmenskhem Mukhim (42’) headed Langsning level before half-time. Wallamsuk restored the lead in the 50th minute, while Justerwell Tham (81’) sealed the victory.
The defeat brought an end to Langsning’s remarkable 10-match winning streak in the MSL, with the usually dominant side looking uncharacteristically out of sorts. The result also marked a dramatic turnaround after Langsning had thrashed Nangkiew Irat 6-1 in the reverse fixture just two days earlier.
Nangkiew Irat goalkeeper Emerald Dan was called into action early on with a couple of important saves, but it was Nangkiew who struck first after Wallamsuk was brought down inside the penalty area. The forward calmly converted the spot kick down the middle as Langsning goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh dived to his right.
Langsning had rested several first-team players at the start, but coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh quickly responded by introducing key players, including Kyrmenskhem and Dajiedlang Wanshnong. The substitution paid off as Dajiedlang delivered the corner that Kyrmenskhem headed home for the equaliser.
Despite making further changes at the break, Langsning struggled to impose themselves in the second half. Wallamsuk’s second goal came after Rajat Paul parried an initial effort, with the rebound looping near the goal line. Wallamsuk reacted quickest and nodded the ball in ahead of defender Manbhalang Nongmin.
Nangkiew’s third goal also came from a rebound after Neblejohn Lyngkhoi saw his shot saved before Justerwell converted the loose ball.
Earlier in the day, Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC registered a commanding 6-2 victory over bottom-placed Maram FC.
Iaishah Bareh (3’, 52’, 75’) scored a hat-trick — only the second of the quarterfinal stage — while Hesmiki Rymbai (19’, 90+5’) netted a brace and Niponghi Sumer (20’) added another. Maram replied through Seiborlang Tado (53’) and Santosh Teron (77’).
Shkenshynriah raced into a 3-0 lead within 20 minutes before Iaishah struck again early in the second half. Seiborlang pulled one back a minute later with a powerful left-footed strike.
Iaishah’s third goal provided one of the lighter moments of the tournament as he cheekily sat on the ball and guided it over the line after evading both goalkeeper and defender, drawing laughter from spectators.
Santosh later scored from a cross for Maram before Hesmiki wrapped up the scoring from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box by Tremarchwal Ch Marak, who was sent off. Hesmiki now has 11 goals in the competition.
In the standings, Langsning remain top with 9 points, level with Shkenshynriah but ahead on head-to-head record. Nangkiew Irat are third with 6 points, while Maram remain without a point.
Group A action resumes tomorrow with leaders Nongkseh SSCC taking on bottom side Rangdajied United FC at 2pm. This will be followed by a crucial clash between Shillong Lajong FC and Mawlai SC at 6pm in the battle for second place.
