By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Tuesday’s semifinal at the JN Stadium witnessed yet another dramatic comeback as Langsning FC beat Malki SC in a penalty shootout, even though the latter were in complete control of the game until the second half.
The intensity of the match had fans sitting on the edge of their seats as Langsning came out of the dumps despite trailing 1-3 at half time.
Malki seized the lead early in the match after Timmy Ryngkhlem’s free kick in the 5th minute saw the ball sail over the wall and into the net.
Langsning’s striker Daniel Bedemi then levelled the scores after heading a cross past Malki keeper Larry just five minutes later.
However, Malki were by far the more aggressive team and that allowed them two more goals in a span of just six minutes, the first coming in the 12th by Fullmoon Mukhim, who collected a rebound after a free kick by team mate Marlangki and fired one into the goal.
Four minutes later, Samson Nongrum got past the Langsning defence to score Malki’s third.
Both sides were reduced to ten men in the second half after stoppers Joseph Idoni from Malki, and Langsning’s Malsoma Chhangte were sent off by referee C Syiemiong.
The star striker for Langsning, Yinka Joel Ayeni, then gave his side some hope by chalking out a goal in the 58th minute.
Just as time was running out Langsning were awarded a free kick a yard outside the box. Ayeni took the shot and did everything right to find his target.
The score at 3-3, extra time was needed and Malki took the lead again, three minutes into the first period, as Dibinroy Nongspung produced a beautiful header following a cross.
Malki held the lead through the first period of extra time, but gave away a penalty, which was taken by Langsning skipper Ailad Kynta, who beat the keeper.
The game was thus decided through a penalty shootout, which was won by Langsning 4-3.