Shillong, April 30: Nongkseh SSCC and Khimusniang SC booked their places in the pre-quarterfinals of the 5th Meghalaya State League by overcoming their respective opponents in Group A at the SSA Stadium here on Thursday.
While Nongkseh steamrolled Umkaber SCC by a whopping 16-0 margin, Khimusniang took down Mawshun SCC 3-1. The other match of the day, in Group G, witnessed Maram FC defeat Balmanduri 5-1 in Williamnagar.
Although he is no youngster anymore, Kitboklang Pale demonstrated that he still has what it takes to deliver amazing football on the pitch as he scored six goals in Nongkseh’s win. He scored in the 32nd, 35th, 39th, 54th, 75th and 82nd minutes. There was also another treble for Shano Tariang (69’, 89’, 90’+2) and one for Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (33’, 52’, 79’) – this was Chester’s third hat-trick in five games. Hardy Cliff Nongbri (66’, 90’) and Pynbhalang Suting (76’) were the others to get on the scoresheet in the day in what was one of the highest-scoring matches in MSL history.
There was also a 10th minute own goal conceded by Umkaber.
Earlier, Khimusniang were made to work hard by Mawshun. Meroily Lytan (10’) struck first for the West Jaintia Hills team but Restorewell Marbaniang (72’) gave Mawshun fans plenty to cheer about as he equalised in the second half.
Parity would only last three minutes, however, as Civility Khongmalai delivered a scintillating free-kick in the 75th minute before adding another goal in the 78th. With 15 and 12 points respectively, Nongkseh and Khimusniang are sure to finish in the Top 2 of Group A, though the final order will only be certain when these two sides meet again on 6 May.
Meanwhile, in Williamnagar, Bris Taro (63’, 73’, 83’) became the latest player to score a hat-trick while Tremarchwal Ch Marak (37’) and Easter Salchang Ch Sangma (90’) also scored for second-placed Maram.
Balmanduri’s lone goal was through Chichang M Momin (71’). Balmanduri are fourth out of five teams in Group G.
