Shillong, May 9: The group stage of the 5th edition of the Meghalaya State League came to an end on Friday with Balmanduri FC signing off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Janepih YSCA in Group G at Williamnagar.
Jurisbirth Marak netted the decisive goal in the 24th minute to hand Balmanduri FC a winning finish to their season. Despite the defeat, Janepih YSCA had already secured the top spot in the group prior to the match and opted to rest several key players.
Balmanduri FC, meanwhile, remained in fourth place in the group standings but ended their campaign on a positive note.
With the completion of all 104 group-stage matches, attention now shifts to the pre-quarterfinals, where the top 16 teams from the 33 participating sides will compete in a straight knockout format.
The winners of the Round of 16 will advance to the quarterfinal league stage, which will feature two groups of four teams each in another round-robin phase.
This year’s edition of the Meghalaya State League is the biggest in the competition’s history. The expanded format has been designed to provide players with increased match exposure as part of wider efforts to raise football standards in the state. The league also includes more fixtures per team in order to meet requirements laid down by the All India Football Federation.
To further professionalise the competition, the Meghalaya Football Association, with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, has implemented the AIFF’s Competition Management System and Centralised Registration System for the tournament.
Round of 16 Fixtures – Monday
Shillong (SSA Stadium), 1pm — Nangkiew Irat SC vs Khimusniang SC
Shillong (SSA Stadium), 5:30pm — Nongkseh SSCC vs Mawphu SC
Amlarem (Ladjaplem), 2pm — Mawlai SC vs Thangskai Tiger SC
Wahiajer (Wahiajer Sports Complex), 2pm — Shillong Lajong FC vs Mishon SSCC
Williamnagar (WDSA Ground), 2pm — Janepih YSCA vs Rangdajied United FC
Khliehriat (Deinchynrum), 2pm — Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC vs Amlarem SC
Mairang (Dommawlum), 2pm — Langsning FC vs Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC
Mawkyrwat (MDSA Ground), 2pm — Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun vs Maram FC
