Shillong, March 09: Ryntih SC did all the hard work of coming from two goals down to draw parity against Lawmali SC, but two goals in second half stoppage time saw the latter claim a gripping 4-2 victory in the Assam Rifles Invitational Football Cup in Shillong on Thursday.
After good attacks by the two young sides in the first half, Kynsailang Khongsit weaved his way from the left flanks past two defenders and, from inside the box, placed the ball past the opposition goalkeeper in first half stoppage time. Ryntih let their guard down early on in the second half, which allowed Russell Nongkynrih to intercept a pass between defenders and he made no mistake getting the ball into the net in the 50th minute.
That goal could have signalled the end for Ryntih, but they fought on and thanks to a free-kick on the penalty arc they were able to pull a goal back just a few minutes later thanks to a perfect kick from Damehun Syih that beat the keeper.
That goal really fired up the Ryntih team and their supporters as they mounted attack after attack. Although Lawmali did have a few of their own chances, they looked keener to defend their citadel. This strategy backfired when with just a handful of minutes of normal time remaining, Ryntih executed some neat passes to give the ball to Dameki Khongstia, who fired in a fantastic strike for the equaliser after manoeuvring nicely into position.
By now the stands were full of chants for Ryntih, but Kynsailang snatched the lead back for Lawmali and they went one better when Sico Nonglait intercepted a headed ball from a Ryntih defender to the goalkeeper to make it 4-2.
In the earlier match at Mawlai Madan Heh, Lawsohtun SC pulled off a stunning comeback from two goals down to defeat Nongrah SSCC 5-2.
Nongrah went into the lead through S Lanong (17th minute) and W Pyngrope (36th), but they saw that advantage vanish as Raimiki Challam (39th, 88th) scored a brace, with further contributions from Milancy Khongstia (48th), Donborlang Nongkynrih (50th) and Rang Suting (64th).
Meanwhile, at the Assam Rifles ground in Happy Valley, Mawlai SC defeated Young Guns SC 2-1 in the afternoon match, while Eastern Pirates SC defeated Umphrup SC 3-0 in a tiebreaker in the morning.
Tomorrow, Nongkseh SC face Eastern Pirates SC at 9:00am, followed by Maram FC versus Umsning SC at 1:00pm. Both matches are at the Assam Rifles ground in Happy Valley. At Mawlai Madan Heh, 7 Wasa SC will take on Lawsohtun SC at 9:00am, with Assam Rifles Laitkor going up against Lawmali SC at 1:00pm. Entry is free to all matches.
