SHILLONG: In a thrilling semifinal of the Under-14 football tournament, organised by the Shillong Sports Association, Shillong Lajong FC got the better of Marbisu SC, winning 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday at Polo Grounds, after being locked at 0-0 after regulation and extra time.
In the final SLFC will face Umlyngka, who defeated Royal Wahingdoh 3-2 on Tuesday.
Both teams started brightly in the first half even as the crowd got hooked to the exciting display of football that was exhibited by both sides.
It may be mentioned that the keepers of both the teams made some brilliant saves to deny their opposing side the chance to take the lead. What was noteworthy was the truly high quality football that was produced by the kids, which is a promising sign for football in the region.
In the shoot-out Lajong goalkeeper Lalmalsoma Tariang produced an excellent save to see through his side, much to the chagrin of the Marbisu colts.
Batskhem, Samkhain, Afridi and Kenstar all scored for Lajong and after a miss off the last shot by a Marbisu player, the score stood at 4-2 in favour of the Junior Reds, whose joy knew no bounds, as they now take on Umlyngka for the title.