Shillong, Nov 27: A fantastic opening match of the Meghalaya State League 2019 witnessed Rangdajied United defeat Mawkohphet 3-1 at the Mawkyrwat District Sports Association ground in Mawkyrwat in Wednesday.
Raikutshisha Buam headed in a corner to put Rangdajied into the lead in only the third minute of the match and Stephanson Pale doubled RUFC’s advantage in the 29th. It then looked like the Shillong-based team might run away with the game, but Mawkohphet came back immediately after the restart with a goal from Wellbokstar Iawphniaw in the 30th to give the South West Khasi Hills team a shot in the arm and something for the fans to cheer for.
However, though they continued to search for the equaliser, Mawkohphet were denied by their opponents and Rangdajied managed to take the game away from them by scoring in second half stoppage time through Atlanson Kharmaw (90’+3).
For his all-round performance, Aenam Jyrwa of Rangdajied was named man-of-the-match and was presented with his award by Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, who was the chief guest on the opening day.
The Group C contest was witnessed by the Minister in the presence of other dignitaries and representatives of the various associations affiliated to the Meghalaya Football Association. At least 3,000 fans packed into the ground and watched the action from neighbouring vantage points as well.
During half time the Minister and dignitaries presented cheques of Rs 2 lakh each to the affiliated associations to support them in the conduct of their football tournaments.
The start of the day saw musical acts by South West Khasi Hills’ talents, performances by Summersalt and the official MSL 2019 anthem by Banker Kharkongor, all accompanied by dance and freestyle football acts.
Tomorrow’s fixtures:
Group A (Jowai) – Shillong Lajong vs Umkaber (10:30AM); Lawbah vs Royal FC (1:30PM)
Group B (Khliehriat) – Sutnga vs Mynthong (10:30AM); Umladkhur vs Jalaphet Bri-Sumer (1:30PM)
Group C (Mawkyrwat) – Nongdaju Seng Samla vs Khliehmawlieh (1PM)
Group D (Resubelpara) – Resu Conventus vs Niaw Wasa (10:30AM)
in Pic: Aenam Jyrwa receives his man-of-the-match award from Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh