By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Langsning FC and Malki SC confirmed their places in the semifinals of this season’s Shillong Premier League after securing comprehensive wins here at the JN Stadium on Saturday. As a result, MLP FT are now out of contention for the semis, although they remain safe in fifth place and will once again appear in next year’s championship.
Langsning FC hammered Nangkiew Irat SC 9-1 after strikers Joel Ayeni and Daniel Bedemi wreaked havoc. The two Langsning strikers also earned their second successive hat-tricks after scoring three goals apiece.
Langsning took the lead early with Bedemi heading a cross past keeper Lebbios in just the ninth minute.
Joel Ayeni then doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a deft touch, finding the corner of the net and then scoring his second goal in the 30th in similar fashion.
Nabachandra Singh also contributed to the demolition in the 24th minute after a rocket shot from the right flank.
Nangkiew managed to salvage some pride in the 43rd minute with Lalduhawma heading a cross from Suresh Singh, who is yet to recover completely from a head injury sustained while playing against Lawmali.
In the second half, Mayosing swung a ball into the net while Moirangthem Singh, the fifth Langsning goal scorer, produced a blinder from close to the centre of the pitch.
Earlier, Malki SC cruised home to a comfortable 3-0 win over Lawmali Pyllun, who face relegation next season.
Kitborlang Kharkongor scored two goals in the seventh and 27th minute, while Ebormi sealed the win in the 54th minute with a third. The win means that Malki SC and Langsning FC will face each other in the second semifinal.