By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Ar-Hima FC trounced Royal Wahingdoh 3-0 to enter the final of the 22nd All India Meghalaya Invitation Football Tournament played at First Division Ground, Polo here on Monday.
The victory against Shillong Premier Champions (SPL) Wahingdoh comes as a sweet revenge for Ar-Hima which was at the other side of the result in the SPL final, losing that match 0-1 to the Royals.
On a day which promised a keen contest, the formidable Ar-Hima side proved too hot to handle for the young Wahingdoh boys. Ar-Hima took the attack to the opposition from the outset and troubled the opposition defenders at regular intervals. Credit also goes to Wahingdoh which denied Ar-Hima any real opening to score early on.
However, the efforts of the SPL runner’s up finally paid off when Bansharai Sun found the nets in the 39th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead.
At a time when Wahingdoh was desperately looking for a equaliser, Ar-Hima doubled the lead with a stunner from Kyrshan Lyngshing in the 44th minute.
Crossing over to the second half, things did not change for the Royals who were hardly allowed to settle in the match by their experienced opponents. And a 89th minute goal by star striker Babatunde Oyomide Badmus made it 3-0 to seal the match for Ar-Hima.
There was a major controversy though in the match when referee C Syiemiong refused to show red card to Wahingdoh’s Francis Egware who kicked over the face of Ar-Hima’s Stephan Field Lanong after th third goal was scored.
The referee, who was strict throughout the match, was booed by the crowd for the alleged lapse.
On Tuesday, Langsning Football Club will play against Meghalaya Police Football Team in the second semi-final.
