Shillong, May 29: Nongkseh SSCC took a giant stride towards the 5th Meghalaya State League title after defeating Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC 3-0 in the first semifinal at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday.
Played before another packed crowd, the semifinal delivered a thrilling display of attacking football as supporters from both sides created an electrifying atmosphere at the stadium. The Meghalaya State League, organised by the Meghalaya Football Association with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, once again lived up to its reputation as the state’s premier football competition.
Arlangky Nongsiej opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Nongkseh sealed the victory in the second half through goals from Chesterpaul Lyngdoh in the 75th minute and Hardy Cliff Nongbri in the 86th minute.
Hardy Cliff Nongbri, who played a crucial role throughout the match, was named the Hello Meghalaya Man of the Match and received a cheque of Rs 10,000 along with a memento from NEIGRIHMS Director Dr Nalin Mehta.
With the victory, Nongkseh advanced to the final where they will face the winners of the second semifinal between Langsning FC and Shillong Lajong FC, scheduled for Saturday at 6pm at the SSA Stadium.
Despite the scoreline, the contest remained highly competitive for long periods, especially with Rymbai Shkenshynriah’s quick attacking transitions causing problems for Nongkseh. The East Jaintia Hills-based side had entered the match with prior semifinal experience, having reached the last four in the previous edition of the tournament, while this is Nongkseh’s debut appearance in the Meghalaya State League.
Nongkseh captain Hardy played a key role in the opening goal after his corner was initially punched away by goalkeeper Livingstar Swer. Recovering possession, Hardy sent in another dangerous cross that was poorly dealt with by the defence, allowing Arlangky to finish from close range.
Rymbai Shkenshynriah came out aggressively after the break and nearly found an equaliser following a defensive mix-up involving Nongkseh defender Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw and goalkeeper Guidle Syiemlieh. The goalkeeper rushed out bravely to deny the opposition but suffered a collision in the process. Although he initially continued, Guidle was later replaced by Daraphun Tlang.
Nongkseh continued to create chances, though Khrawkupar Jana and Shano Tariang both missed opportunities before Chesterpaul Lyngdoh doubled the lead from an Aibiangmame Nongneng delivery. Hardy eventually sealed the result with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty box.
The second semifinal promises another blockbuster clash as Langsning FC take on Shillong Lajong FC.
Langsning topped Group B of the quarterfinal stage with five wins and one defeat and also progressed comfortably through the preliminary stage and Round of 16. Despite their rich footballing history, Langsning have reached the Meghalaya State League semifinals only once before, during the inaugural 2017 edition.
Shillong Lajong, meanwhile, remain the only former champions left in the tournament, having lifted the title in 2019 and finishing runners-up in the previous edition. Lajong advanced through the preliminary stage and Round of 16 before competing strongly in a difficult quarterfinal group that also featured Nongkseh.
