Shillong, May 23: Reduced to 10 men in the second half, Langsning FC still managed to qualify for the semifinals from Group B in the 5th Meghalaya State League after beating Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC 4-2 in their quarterfinal league stage match today.
Atlanson Kharmaw (32′), Samuel Phawa (41′), Dajiedlang Wanshnong (70′) and Mecheal Roy Kurbah (90’+2) scored for Langsning, while Iaishah Bareh (48′) and Harita Suchen (90’+5) found the net for Shkenshynriah.
Atlanson opened the scoring with a well-placed free-kick before Samuel doubled the advantage after going one-on-one with stand-in goalkeeper Yooluty Dkhar.
Shkenshynriah struggled to make the most of promising opportunities in the first half but came back strongly after the break. Iaishah pulled one back minutes into the second half, flicking the ball into the net with the outside of his boot before it crossed out of play.
Langsning, however, restored their two-goal cushion when Dajiedlang tapped home from a diagonal delivery. The scorer was later sent off after getting involved in a scuffle with a Shkenshynriah player during the celebrations.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage afterwards, the East Jaintia Hills side failed to capitalise. There was still time for two more stoppage-time goals, with Mecheal adding Langsning’s fourth before Harita netting a late consolation for Shkenshynriah.
In the earlier fixture, Nangkiew Irat SC kept their semifinal hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Maram FC.
Justerwell Tham struck in the 28th and 59th minutes, while Neblejohn Lyngkhoi added another in the 82nd minute for Nangkiew Irat. Maram’s lone goal came through Threesbirth Momin in the 86th minute.
The contest could have been far closer had Maram’s Dipen Daimary converted some of his numerous chances, but the forward was repeatedly denied or failed to make the most of his opportunities.
In the standings, Langsning sit on 12 points and are guaranteed a top-two finish in Group B. Shkenshynriah and Nangkiew Irat are level on nine points, though Shkenshynriah hold the head-to-head advantage. Their clash on Tuesday will therefore decide the second semifinal spot from the group. Maram remain bottom without a point.
The final round of Group A quarterfinal matches will be played on Monday. Rangdajied United FC will take on Shillong Lajong FC at 2pm, while Mawlai SC face Nongkseh SSCC at 6pm. Although Lajong and Nongkseh have already secured semifinal qualification, the matches will determine the Group A table-toppers and runners-up.
