By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: PK Ningleithing’s hat-trick took Langsning FC to the final of the 22nd All India Meghalaya Invitation Football Tournament after they beat Meghalaya Police Football Team (MLPFT) 4-2 in a keenly contested match played at First Division Ground, Polo here on Tuesday.
Langsning would now face Ar-Hima, who beat Shillong Premier League champions Royal Wahingdoh in the first semifinal, in the summit clash of the tournament on Thursday.
In one of the most intense encounters in the tourney so far, Langsning rallied back to claim victory through Ningleithing who scored in the 45th, 68th and 89th minute and Yinki Joel Sunday Ayeni who netted one in the 62nd minute. For MLPFT Niwan-O-Gatphoh struck in the 13th and 42nd minute.
Both teams started on an aggressive note and MLPFT were the first to break the deadlock through a Niwan-O-Gatphoh goal in the 13th minute. Gatphoh scored of a well crafted pass from the right flank.
Down by a goal, Langsning pressed hard for the equaliser and in the process created a few chances which they failed to capitalise upon. Meanwhile, it was the sheer brilliance of Gatphoh, who against the run of play, dribbled past three Langsning defenders before pushing the ball out of reach for the Langsning custodian to make it 2-0 for the cops.
Langsning hit back in the last minute of the 1st half when Ningleithing hit the woodwork to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Crossing over, Langsning showed urgency to keep the oppposition defenders on their toes and their hard work paid off when Yinki Joel Sunday Ayeni scored a stunner in the 62nd minute to level the scores.
To the delight of the Langsning supporters Ningleithing struck again after six minutes to give his team a 3-2 lead.
At the time when MLPFT were looking to get back into the match, Langsning’s Korean midfielder Ho Jun Shin brilliantly passed one to Ayeni who helped the ball to Ningleithing and the striker sealed the match for his team as he completed a hat-trick to give Langsning an unassailable 4-2 lead.
The final would be played on Thursday.