SHILLONG: In a hard fought match that veered towards unruliness, Mawkhar SC qualified for the semifinals of the U-14 Football Tournament, organised by the Shillong Sports Association, at Second Ground, Polo, on Saturday.
The 1-1 draw was enough for Mawkhar to progress from Group II; they ended tied on four points with opponents Mylliem SC, but had a better goal difference.
Jerahmel Feller Hynniewta earned Mawkhar the lead in the second minute, but Meshanboklang Khongrymmai cancelled that out in the 10th.
Thereafter, both sets of boys competed eagerly for the lead, but to no avail.
The unruliness was not caused by any of the players – they behaved impeccably – but some Mylliem supporters were unhappy with the officials and ended up badgering the linesman and passing comments on the lineswoman at the far end.
The situation was, however, brought under control by calmer heads.
In the later match, which was a dead rubber, group leaders Nangkiew Irat beat Smit 2-0. Robertstar Malngiang (30th minute) and Samuel James Lyngdoh Kynshi (58th) were the goal-scorers.
Nangkiew will now play Royal Wahingdoh – runners-up from Group I – in the first semifinal on Tuesday at 4:00pm at Third Ground.
Rangdajied United, who topped Group I, will then take on Mawkhar at the same time on the following day.
An official stated that supporters will be kept outside the chain link fence for the next matches.
