Shillong, May 7: Laitkor SC won a place in the girls’ semifinals of the Assam Rifles CAPF Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament for Meghalaya with a 4-0 victory over Umiuh SC here on Sunday.
It was a fateful match-up as either side would have qualified for the last-four with a victory. Group A leaders Umsning SC, who had already qualified for the semis, confirmed their place at the top of the four teams with a 7-0 win (their third in all) over Mawryngkneng SC in the morning match.
In the boys’ division, Nongstoin District Sports Association qualified at the top of Group A on goal difference, followed by Wahingdoh FC. The latter defeated KV Happy Valley 3-0, while Nongstoin beat Assam Rifles Public School (ARPS) 6-1. Nongstoin have a goal difference of +10, while that of Wahingdoh is +7; both teams won two matches and drew one.
Earlier, Pynhun Shullet continued her goal scoring run for Umsning, netting the ball in the 2nd, 14th and 17th minutes for her second hat-trick in the tournament, while team mate Solina Jaba followed quickly on the former’s heels, scoring in the 20th, 22nd and 23rd minutes. Barisha Wahlang added another goal in the second half (46th minute).
In the other girls’ game, Aibaplielad Skhemien bagged a brace for Laitkor, the first coming in the 11th minute after the opposition goalkeeper fumbled the ball near the posts. The second came 12 minutes later after Wandashisha Marwein, who played brilliantly on the left flank, swerved past two defenders and crossed the ball beautifully for Skhemien to make an easy tap-in.
In the second half the Umiuh goalie made a three good saves, but Laitkor extended their lead when substitute Deiphibamon Warbah capitalised on a defensive lapse to score in the 52nd minute. The fourth and final goal came via a penalty on the hour, which was converted by Nisilia Majaw.
Wahingdoh, meanwhile, were a little wasteful in the opening few minutes of their match against KV Happy Valley, with four early chances going a-begging.
McDonald Kharlyngdoh then earned the first two goals for Wahingdoh, scoring with a chip over the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and doubling the lead in the 24th after beating his defensive markers and then swerving past the advancing custodian to hit the back of the net. Pynshaibok Thabah grabbed a third goal after a defender’s header intended to clear a cross went the wrong way, falling for the Wahingdoh player to score.
The final fixture of the day saw Nongstoin take a seventh minute lead through Diverjohn Syiemlieh, but ARPS drew level after converting a corner kick, with Mewanshuwa Lyngdoh heading the ball in.
Despite showing a good amount of fighting spirit, ARPS could not keep their defensive line steady against Nongstoin. The latter retook the lead in the 13th minute following an own goal and M Lyngdoh made it 3-1 from close range after being unmarked in the box two minutes later. Syiemlieh scored his second in the 28th minute, while his team mates K Iawphniaw (42nd) and F Lyngkhoi (45th) added two more in the second half. Iawphniaw’s long-range strike was a beauty that won wide applause from the spectators.
Monday will witness two girls’ games at Third Ground, Polo. In the first at 2:15pm, Lawsohtun SC will battle Tyrsad Higher Secondary School, while East Jaintia Hills District Sports Association take on Mawpdang SC at 3:45pm. Tyrsad and East Jaintia Hills are strong contenders for places in the semis, though Lawsohtun also have an outside chance.
