Shillong, Sep 22: Pyndengumiong District Sports Association left it until the final day of the U-16 zonal matches to take second place and, with it, a spot in the quarterfinals of the inaugural Meghalaya Youth League 2024 from Zone D.
Before yesterday’s fixtures, Eastern Border Sports Association were second in the U-16 category of Zone D but they had to face Pyndengumiong in the final round.
The latter won 2-0 thanks to goals from Aimebanshan Basaiawmoit and Bankeindorlang Basaiawmoit to overtake EBSA for second place. Mawshynrut Sports Association beat Mawkyrwat District Sports Association 1-0 and leaders Nongstoin District Sports Association (who needed just a draw to confirm their hold on first place) were held 1-1 by Tyrsad Area Sports Association.
In the U-14 age category, Nongstoin and Pyndengumiong had already guaranteed themselves places in the quarterfinals before yesterday’s fixtures. In the last round, Nongstoin won 8-0 against Tyrsad Area, with a hat-trick for Ronifield Dkhar Rit. Pyndengumiong had to settle for second place after a 0-0 draw with Easter Border, while Mawkyrwat beat Mawshynrut 3-0.
In Zone B Dayoohimi Laloo scored a hat-trick for the West Jaintia District Sports Association U-14 team in their 3-0 win over Saipung Block Sports Association. Amlarem Block Sports Association beat East Jaintia District Football Association 4-0.
In the U-16 category, West Jaintia were 7-0 winners against Saipung, with Serene Dkhar scoring a treble, while Amlarem beat East Jaintia 3-0.
WJDSA and Amlarem had booked first and second spots in the U-14 category before yesterday but Amlarem were still in a fight with Saipung in the U-16 category.
However, Amlarem’s win and Saipung’s loss to East Jaintia and West Jaintia respectively meant that Amlarem progressed in the U-16 age group as well.
Zone C saw two big wins for Shillong Sports Association against Riwar Mihngi Football Association, 11-0 in the U-14 category and 6-1 in the U-16s. Gonestar Marwein produced a hat-trick in the first match. The U-16 age group also witnessed a match between Western Ri-Bhoi Sports Association and the visiting Sohra Sports Association, which the former won 4-1.
Because a number of matches in this zone had to be postponed, the final round of round robin games in Zone C will take place on 28 September. Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association (who were not in action this weekend) and Shillong SA are still battling for first place but have wrapped up the top two positions between them. Zone A, based in Garo Hills, completed its round robin matches a few weeks ago and are eagerly preparing for the quarterfinals, which will take place early next month.
