By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Malki SC produced a clinical performance to secure a narrow 3-2 win over Nangkiew Irat SC who made a sudden comeback in Monday’s match of the Shillong Premier League.
F Mukhim’s 14th minute goal laid the foundation for Malki SC’s win and helped them earn three valuable points.
Malki’s foreign player, Nigerian Michael Bassey, followed his team’s first goal with another after a one-on-one situation with Nangkiew’s goalie Eborlang in the 20th minute.
Michael found himself in the clear and raced down towards Eborlang who made a desperate attempt to save but failed.
Around nine minutes earlier, he had a similar chance to score but Eborlang did well to thwart his attempt on goal.
Bassey received another similar opportunity in the 32nd minute, but once again, he was unsuccessful.
The short passes and hard work to ensure ball possession worked in Malki’s favour and at the end of the first half, the score line read a comfortable 2-0 to Malki.
However, Nangkiew Irat SC forward Ezeani worked out a sweet header into the goal after receiving a pass from Thangginbiaksang in the 58th minute. Both sides, however, had numerous other chances but failed to convert them.
Just as things started to look bright for Nangkiew Irat, Kitborlang scored an easy goal to give Malki SC a 3-1 lead in the 60th minute.
Later, in the 80th minute, Ezeani was offered a penalty but Eborlang made an excellent save.
Two minutes later, Ezeani accepted another cross and once again headed the ball in for his side’s second goal.
Pressing hard for an equaliser, Nangkiew Irat SC were looked dangerous, but by then it was too late and Malki earned three points.