SHILLONG, Nov 9: Meghalaya made it to the semi-finals of the U-21 men’s football at the 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 along with Mizoram and Nagaland.
In the first match of the day, Meghalaya hammered Arunachal Pradesh 6-0 in Group 2 at the MFA Turf, Third Ground, Polo, on Wednesday.
Three goals were picked off by Meghalaya on either side of half time through Everbrightson Mylliempdah (8’), Figo Syndai (39’, 62’) and Damonlang Pathaw (41’). Dajiedlang Wanshnong (57’) and Nelson Rymbai (79’).
Arunachal, who also lost their opening fixture, had a couple of good chances early in the second half but the hosts were able to extend their advantage after Sangti Janai Shianglong was brought down in the box.
Wanshnong stepped up to take the penalty but his effort was blocked by the Arunachal goalkeeper. However, the ball still remained in play and Wanshnong was able to get to the ball before the keeper and score.
Syndai then scored his second with a fine left boot after some nice one-touch passing from his team mates before Rymbai finished things off with a strong shot that clipped the woodwork before going into the net.
Mizoram, meanwhile, played their opening match in Group 1 today against Assam and also claimed a 6-0 victory, with Joseph Lalvenhima (18’P, 25’, 37’) bagging a hat-trick in the first half before adding a fourth in the 62nd minute.
The other two goals were scored by K Lalrosanga (47’) and Rohlupuia (51’).
Assam had lost their first match on Monday to Manipur and have been knocked out.
As Group 1 has just three teams, Mizoram and Manipur have bagged the two semifinal spots from this group.
In the last match of the day, Nagaland booked their spot in the last-four with a 4-0 win over Sikkim. Yhoto Lohe (19’) and Thulunso (35’) scored in the first half, while Hivika (55’) and Pursunep (88’) added two more in the second.
Having lost to Meghalaya 6-1 on Monday, Sikkim find themselves, along with Arunachal, unable to qualify for the semis.
However, the two sides will play for third place in Group 2 on Friday, while Meghalaya will vie with Mizoram for top spot.
On Thursday, in the U-17 women’s division, Arunachal Pradesh will take on Mizoram in a Group 2 match at 11 am, followed by Sikkim versus Manipur in Group 1 at 3:30 pm.
The opening ceremony of the 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 will be held at the SAI Training Centre on the NEHU Shillong campus here on Thursday evening.
The athletes will perform the march past, oath taking and witness the lighting of the flame that are traditions of such sporting events.
The opening ceremony will also be streamed live on the 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022’s official YouTube channel.
