By Our Reporter
Shillong, April 25: Keri G Momin had a special day in the 5th Meghalaya State League on Friday by scoring seven goals as A’chik SCO Rongjeng blitzed Balmanduri FC 9-0 in Group G in Williamnagar.
This was the most number of goals that any player had scored in a single match this season and what makes it more special is that this was the first time Keri (18’, 20’, 24’, 48’, 71’, 81’, 84’) got his name on the scoresheet in MSL 5. Cherryan G Momin (58’) and Junjun N Marak (90’) scored ASCOR’s other two goals.
It was not all plain sailing for Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun in Group H and Amlarem SC in Group C, however, as both had to rally from behind to win their respective matches.
In Mawkyrwat, Umdang Pyllun were up against Mawten SC and came through 4-3 after the latter led the game on two separate occasions. Umdang Pyllun scored via Bishalboklang Rongrin (29’, 71’) and Rangkynsaistar Mawsor (56’, 67’), while Mawten’s scorers were Wellberjune Lyngdoh (16’), Kynshewbor Pyngrope (54’) and Oversharp Iawphniaw (85’). Rangkynsaistar has been a consistent presence for Umdang Pyllun, scoring in each of their three games so far.
Amlarem SC, meanwhile, won 4-2 against Lamin XI SCC in Amlarem. Here Sanu Sumer (5’) had Lamin XI in front early before Wantiwjune Buam (32’) equalised. Genial Lamin (46’) scored early in the second half but this time Amlarem levelled and then pulled away thanks to goals from Martial Nongrum (65’), Iaid Da Kyrmen Jungai (65’) and Wantiwjune (77’) again.
It was more one-sided at Shillong’s MFA Ground where Mawphu SC romped to a 4-0 win against Mulang SC Nongbah in Group B. Owenderson Nongrud (2’) scored the new fastest goal of MSL 5 and his team mates Steven Kynta (42’), Ferenstar Kharkongor (45’) and Archeststar Malngiang (73’) added one each further along in the game.
Wahiajer saw the same scoreline, with Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC taking down Iatyllilang Lumsehkot CSC 4-0 in Group E. Rio Marboh (9’, 70’, 90’+5) became the latest player to score a hat-trick, with Deibanskhem Kharsati (32’) producing the other goal of the day.
There were fewer goals but the action was no less engaging in Khliehriat and Mairang.
Group D saw Thangskai Tiger SC pip Jalaphet Moochut Pyrdung 1-0, with Michael Siangshai (26’) scoring two minutes after going into the referee’s book for a yellow card offence. Khliehriat has seen some of the closest matches so far, with just 10 goals scored in six games.
In Mairang, Mishon SSCC bounced back after two defeats to beat Lawbah SC 2-0 with late goals from Pyndapboklang L Lyngkhoi (74’) and Rikyrshan Warjri (86’).
Friday marked the halfway point in six out of the eight groups and the second leg will begin on Monday except in Wahiajer and Williamnagar, which are still going through their first leg matches. With the league now reaching a crucial stage, the latest round of matches has intensified the battle for qualification across the groups, as teams look to carry momentum into the second leg.
