23rd Meghalaya Invitational Football Tournament
Shillong: In the first league match of the quarter finals of the ongoing 23 rd Meghalaya Invitational Football Tournament played here at Shillong Sports Association’s Ground 1 on Wednesday, Rangdajied United handed Royal Wahingdoh a 2-1 defeat.
Despite being dominant in the first half, the Royals lost grip of the match after the break due to their lacklustre effort upfront coupled with a defensive errors at the back to go down to the Blues, who bounced back in the second session.
In a closely contested first half, RWFC had the upperhand especially during the opening exchanges besides being firm in their defense knowing well their opponent’s ability to counter attack. RWFC’s Sonam Sherpa almost put his side ahead on the 11th minute but failed to capitalise on a free header which he got from a well delivered corner kick.
Rangdajied too did get a chance to be in the front foot when Divan Roy blasted one from inside the box but it amounted to nothing. In the later stages of the first half, both the sides matched each other with some explosive tackles to go into the break with no goals in their kitty.
After a goalless affair in the opening period, Rangdajied made a strong start after being dormant in the first. With just five minutes being played Bansharai Sun put his team on the driving seat, as his spectacular free kick shot went sailing into the back of the net.
Two minutes later Royals countered to equalize the deficit but were unfortunate as Rungsing’s strike hit the crossbar. The Royals rallied hard but could not penetrate the Rangdajied defense.
As the match approached to its final 10 minutes, Royals received a second blow on the 82nd minute after a defensive blunder carved an opening for Ericson Lyngdoh who did not fail in putting the ball home.
The match went on with Rangdajied standing tall in front of the goal. However, they were sluggish in the closing stages and punished accordingly. At stoppage time Sonam Sherpa found the nets for the Royals to make it 1-2 but it was too late in the day to put another one in.
The final whistle blew with Rangdajied emerging victorious.
On Thursday, Sawmer SC will take on Shillong Lajong in the same venue.