Shillong, May 21: Nangkiew Irat SC recharged their interest in the 5th Meghalaya State League with a stunning 3-1 victory over Langsning FC at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw (25’P) had Nangkiew Irat ahead through a penalty but substitute Kyrmenskhem Mukhim (42′) headed Langsning back on level terms before half time. Wallamsuk restored Nangkiew’s lead in the 50th minute before Justerwell Tham (81′) put the game beyond doubt.
Langsning’s historic 10-match MSL winning streak thus came to a shuddering end as the hitherto indomitable team looked out of sorts today. They had trampled on Nangkiew Irat 6-1 in the reverse fixture just two days ago.
Nangkiew Irat’s goalkeeper Emerald Dan was tested with a couple of sharp chances early in proceedings but the opening goal would end up coming at the other end of the pitch after Wallamsuk was fouled in the box. He took the spot kick himself and sent it down the middle as Langsning custodian Rajat Paul Lyngdoh dived to the right.
Langsning had given several of their frontline players a rest but coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh quickly had them warming up after this. Kyrmen was one of those introduced, along with Dajiedlang Wanshnong, who took the corner kick that Kyrmen headed in.
Although there were more changes for Langsning at half time, they were unable to dominate in the second 45 minutes. Wallamsuk’s second goal came after Rajat Paul had to block a shot on goal but the ball popped up close to the goal line. Langsning’s Manbhalang Nongmin and Wallamsuk went for it, with the Nangkiew Irat player connecting with his header.
Nangkiew’s third also resulted from a rebound, with Justerwell converting after Neblejohn Lyngkhoi’s first shot was denied.
In the early kick-off, Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC bagged a handy 6-2 victory over bottom side Maram FC. Iaishah Bareh (3′, 52′, 75′) scored a hat-trick (only the second one of the quarterfinal stage), Hesmiki Rymbai (19′, 90’+5) a brace and Niponghi Sumer (20′) one goal. Maram did not come away empty-handed as Seiborlang Tado (53′) and Santosh Teron (77′) found the back of the net.
Shkenshynriah, who had beaten Maram 4-2 in the first leg, led 3-0 in just 20 minutes but the game settled down somewhat after that until Iaishah scored his second early in the second half. A minute later, though, Seiborlang thundered in a left-footer to bring up Maram’s first goal.
Iaishah’s hat-trick goal was an unusual one as, after deceiving goalkeeper and defender, he was left unattended in front of goal and he chose to sit on the ball and usher it over the goal line with his rear. That certainly garnered plenty of laughs in the stadium but there was more serious football business to come, with Santosh scoring from a cross just two minutes later for Maram.
Hesmiki wrapped up the game by converting a penalty after he was fouled in the box by Tremarchwal Ch Marak, who was sent off with a red card. Hesmiki is the latest player to reach double figures in the scoring charts with 11 goals now.
In the standings, Langsning continue to lead on 9 points, tied with Shkenshynriah but in front on head-to-head. Nangkiew Irat are third with 6 points while Maram bring up the rear with 0.
Group A action returns tomorrow with leaders Nongkseh SSCC to face bottom side Rangdajied United FC at 2pm; Nongkseh edged RUFC 2-1 in the first leg. This will be followed by a crucial meeting between Shillong Lajong FC and Mawlai SC at 6pm, with the two fighting to secure second place; Lajong were 3-1 winners in the reverse fixture.
