By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Rangdajied United FC pipped Royal Wahingdoh FC by a solitary goal in their Shillong Premier League semifinal tie at the JN Stadium on Monday.
Rangdajied’s first half goal helped them find a final spot despite an on-field altercation that saw Rangdajied’s Pynshongdor Shadap and the Royal’s Lalhmangaih Sena sent off.
Wahingdoh started off strongly with Seityasen Singh and Beekay Bawar getting close to scoring on several occasions early on in the match.
However, Babatunde, who is currently the top-scorer this season, secured what turned out to be the match-winning goal, putting the Royals under pressure to bounce back.
Babatunde comfortably headed a Bhola Prasad cross past the keeper in the 36th minute to place his team in front.
Royal’s defender Kareem nearly scored a goal in the 59th minute after taking a powerful shot that whizzed straight to the goalkeeper.
Wahingdoh, and Kareem, had another opportunity to score, this one coming in the 70th minute.
Kareem took a free kick just outside the box and though he took it well, the ball struck the crossbar, denying RWFC an equaliser.
