By Our Reporter
Shillong, May 2: Reigning champions Mawlai SC booked their place in the pre-quarterfinals of the 5th Meghalaya State League by beating Lamin XI SCC 2-1 in Group C at Amlarem.
The big question mark was whether the young players of Mawlai would be able to handle the pressure, especially after their draw with Laskein SCSC on 28 April.
Mawlai have sent most of their senior players to play in the I-League 3, but the youngsters that remain stepped up. Syndongmiki Lyngdoh (9’) and Livingson Lyngdoh (77’) scored for the 2024-25 champions on either side of Genial Lamin’s 63rd minute goal for bottom club Lamin XI.
In Shillong, Nangkiew Irat SC confirmed that they will finish the first stage in top spot in Group B after a 6-1 victory over Mawphu SC. Jefferson Pakyntein (16’, 32’, 57’) registered a hat-trick, with further goals for Dibinroy Nongspung (4’), Ronaldkydon L Nonglait (44’) and Nikelson Bina (83’P). Banman Roy Nongsiej (54’) scored for Mawphu but they were already four goals down at that point.
Group E saw Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC also qualify for the pre-quarters after they came from a goal down to beat Lamyrsiang SCC 3-1 in Wahiajer.
Eborki Marsharing (14’) struck early for Lamyrsiang but Lumphrynai Sohphoh came back in the second half with strikes from Phrangsngi Law (52’) and Sonowel Kharsati (79’, 81’).
Although there remain two rounds to go in this group, Shillong Lajong FC and Lumphrynai Sohphoh have already made sure that they will progress, though which team ends up on top has still to be decided.
Meanwhile, in Group D, Ladthadlaboh SC managed to avoid the wooden spoon by trouncing Jalaphet Moochut Pyrdung SC 10-1 in Khliehriat. Neither side had won before and both were out of the running to make it to the Round of 16.
That did not stop Ladthadlaboh, who were semifinalists in MSL 2024-25, from going all-out for a big win and they scored through Sandeep Siangshai (7’, 16’), Andrew Nanghuloo (10’, 49’, 51’), Shanhok Siangshai (14’, 22’, 24’) and Wansa-oo Latoo (70’, 79’), while Tiyo Syrti (53’) ensured that Jalaphet came away with at least some joy.
There was also a comprehensive win for Mishon SSCC in Mairang as they took down Umlakro SC 3-0 in Group F. Damanbhalang Ryntathiang (35’, 67’) and Mebanlambeit War (53’) were the scorers.
Saturday also saw two goalless draws. Janepih YSCA and Maram FC – first and second currently in Group G in Williamnagar – were deadlocked throughout and the same was the case in Mawkyrwat where Mawlarshong SC and Mawten SC finished 0-0 in Group H.
There are only two matches scheduled for Monday, both of which will kick off at 3pm. In Group E Iatyllilang Lumsehkot CSC will face Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC in Wahiajer and in Group G Balmanduri FC will take on Attong Matgrik FC in Williamnagar.
