Shillong, Sep 29: Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association and Shillong Sports Association finished first and second in Zone C of the Meghalaya Youth League 2024 at the conclusion of the last round robin matches on Saturday.
The newest youth-oriented tournament in the state, organised by the Meghalaya Football Association with support of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, has seen well over 500 goals scored across 144 U-14 and U-16 games spread across the state in a demonstration of terrific skill and talent from even the youngest players.
With the conclusion of the round robin, the last spots have been confirmed for the eagerly awaited quarterfinal stage, where the eight top teams will come together in Shillong from 5 October as they march on towards the trophy and ultimate glory.
All of the three other zones had completed their matches but there were two in each age category that had been postponed in Zone C that needed to be played. These fixtures were critical as they would decide which team took first place. RBDCA were leading SSA before yesterday and were able to hold on to that position after both won their respective matches.
In the U-14 category, Ri-Bhoi defeated Riwar Mihngi Football Association 11-0 at Umdihar Mini Stadium, with Ribanshan Kyrsian and Meland Mawiong scoring three goals each. For Shillong, at the MFA Turf here, Adriel Branyden W Nongbet netted a hat-trick as they defeated Sohra Sports Association 8-0.
Ri-Bhoi’s U-16 team then won 7-0 against Riwar Mihngi, while Shillong beat Sohra 12-1, with Baniar Kharsahnoh scoring as many as four goals and team mate Iaisanlang Dohling three. Even after they conceded a dozen goals, the Sohra boys picked themselves up and scored one of their own through Sanmehaki Shangpliang.
Sohra showed real determination and plenty of skill but only needed a little more confidence in front of goal as they were often reluctant to take a shot even when they had the opportunity but that is something they can improve on for the next edition of the Meghalaya Youth League.
The teams that qualified for the quarterfinals from Zone A are Tura District Football Association and North Garo Hills District Sports Association in the U-14 category and Williamnagar District Sports Association and North Garo Hills in the U-16 category.
The quarterfinalists from the other three zones are West Jaintia Hills District Sports Association and Amlarem Block Sports Association (U-14 and U-16) from Zone B, Ri-Bhoi and Shillong (U-14 and U-16) from Zone C and Nongstoin District Sports Association and Pyndengumiong District Sports Association (U-14 and U-16) from Zone D.