SHILLONG, MAY 18: Nongkseh SSCC climbed to the top of Group A in the quarterfinal stage of the 5th Meghalaya State League after defeating Shillong Lajong FC 2-0 at the SSA Stadium here on Sunday evening.
Sheen Sohktung and Mebankhraw Wahlang struck within two minutes of each other in the second half to secure an important victory for Nongkseh in front of a packed crowd, in what is rapidly becoming one of the state’s most intense football rivalries.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams cautious not to concede early. Shillong Lajong came closest in the ninth minute when Wilbert Marbaniang tested Nongkseh goalkeeper Guidle Syiemlieh, who produced a strong save to keep the scores level.
Nongkseh returned with greater attacking intent after the break and made their dominance count through two set-piece goals. Sheen Sohktung opened the scoring in the 67th minute before Mebankhraw Wahlang doubled the lead just two minutes later.
The win took Nongkseh to seven points from three matches, while Lajong remained on six points. The defeat also ended Shillong Lajong’s impressive nine-match winning streak.
Earlier in the day, defending champions Mawlai SC registered their first victory of the quarterfinal stage after edging past Rangdajied United FC 2-1.
Basuklang Bina handed Mawlai the lead in the 39th minute with a precise left-footed strike through a crowded defence. Rangdajied responded in first-half stoppage time when Mebannangkiew Thabah converted a penalty after a foul inside the box.
Both sides also had goals ruled out for offside during the opening half.
Heavy rain in the second half made playing conditions difficult, but Mawlai adapted better to the wet surface. Substitute Kevin Rymbai restored Mawlai’s lead in the 61st minute by tapping in a powerful cross from Jestibor Mawlong.
Mawlai held on to claim all three points and moved to four points from three matches, while Rangdajied remained without a point despite losing all three games by narrow one-goal margins.
In Monday’s Group B fixtures, Nangkiew Irat SC will take on group leaders Langsning FC at 2 pm, followed by Maram FC against Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC at 6 pm.
