Shillong, Nov 5: Nangkiew Shaphrang Lumdiengngan tasted their first victory in the Meghalaya State League 2024 with a 3-1 result in their favour over Mawlum Tyrsad in Group C in Tyrsad on Tuesday.
Lumdiengngan had to overturn a deficit to win, scoring through Kitboklang Sohtun (6’, 64’) and Pynkupborlang Kharbhih (58’) after Mawlum Tyrsad had struck first via Banshem Khongsit (4’).
This was the only match of the day but it was an important one as far as the standings are concerned.
Lumdiengngan moved to second place in the group with this win.
They have 3 points, the same as Seven United but with a healthier goal difference (0 to -2). The two sides will meet on Thursday in the last group match to decide the final standings.
In this season of the MSL, each of the six group winners plus the two best second-placed teams overall will qualify for the quarterfinals. So far, only three teams have secured their places in the playoffs – Ladthadlaboh from Group C, Shillong Lajong from Group E and Mawlai from Group F.
Not only are teams thus fighting for top spot in the other three groups but the race is on to be the best second-placed side in order to make it to the knockouts.
There will be four matches held tomorrow, each being the last in their respective group. As it is the last match in Tura, Pinggera Do•gisik will take on Chipakkore at the later time of 5:30pm at the PA Sangma Stadium. Chipakkore (currently 4 points) have a chance to climb to the top of Group A if they win.
Lumsohkhlur are at the top at the moment with 6 points, while Pinggera Do•gisik have 3.
In Group B, there are two teams with 6 points each – Khliehmawlieh and Sutnga. Although the latter have the better goal difference (+6 to +1), Khliehmawlieh have head-to-head advantage. And if Mawten (3 points) win tomorrow against Riangdo Youth it will be a three-way tie at the top.
In Khliehriat, Rymbai Skhenshynriah need to win by a six-goal margin against Mulait United to overtake defending champions Rangdajied United at the top of Group D. Rangdajied and Rymbai Skhenshynriah drew their meeting 0-0 and RUFC currently have 7 points with a goal difference of +10 and Rymbai Skhenshynriah are on 4 points with a goal difference of +5.
Pynursla United will be up against Seng Samla Mawmluh. While they are both still competing for second place, their poor goal differences (-9 and -14 respectively) mean that they are unlikely to qualify for the quarterfinals even if they win. Nangkiew Shaphrang Lumdiengngan’s first victory in the Meghalaya State League adds a thrilling dimension to the competition as the group stage nears its end.
With their crucial 3-1 win over Mawlum Tyrsad, Lumdiengngan have set up a decisive clash against Seven United on Thursday, a game that will determine the final standings in Group C and potentially secure a quarterfinal spot.
