Shillong, May 2: St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School left no one in doubt that they aim to win the boy’s title in the Assam Rifles CAPF Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament for Meghalaya after they racked up an astonishing 17 goals in their opening match against KV Laitkor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.
Despite one or two good moves forward by KV Laitkor, their score remained zero throughout the match. As a school with such a formidable reputation of producing top footballers for Meghalaya, it was no wonder that St Anthony’s proved to be incredibly challenging opponents, but the one-sidedness of the scoreline did perhaps surprise a few people at the stadium.
Lamshaphrang Kurbah scored a double hat-trick, producing six goals over the course of the match. His team mate, BMR Marbaniang recorded his hat-trick in the first half itself, while Bhabok Shyrkon (4th and 11th minutes) and Zothang Bawithlung (16th, 17th) scored a brace each. The other goals were scored by Remark Kharmalki (12th), Orestar Sad (20th), Batskhem Thangkhiew (36) and Wikimaldini Nongtdu (42nd).
St Anthony’s held possession well and made full use of the pitch as they attacked Laitkor at will. Their passing was a delight to the eye and the scoreline could have been even more of a landslide, but for a few good saves made by the Laitkor goalkeeper.
St Anthony’s lead Group B on goal difference, ahead of West Jaintia Hills District Sports Association, who defeated Rangdajied UFC 2-1 in the last match of the day.
The team from West Jaintia Hills hit the woodwork twice in eight minutes after the start, but finally got the ball into the back of the net when Pynishai Lathong slotted in a rebound off the goalkeeper in the ninth minute.
That was the only goal of the first half, but there were a couple more in the second. Kyrkhu Ryngkhlem doubled WJH’s lead in the 52 minute, requiring two shots before finding the target, while substitute Hestar Kurbah revived Rangdajied’s hopes by netting the ball in the 66th. The last five or so minutes saw the latter press hard for the equaliser, but despite a few chances, it eluded them.
Meanwhile, Group B is all level after both matches ended in draws. Wahingdoh FC got a 10th minute lead, but saw this evaporate after Nongstoin District Sports Association scored two in the 18th and 27th minutes. A final goal was scored in first half stoppage time by Wahingdoh and the match ended 2-2.
In the early morning fixture, KV Happy Valley twice had to come from a goal down to draw the match 2-2 against Assam Rifles Public School. Krishna Gurung scored a brace for Happy Valley, while George Thongam and L Pachau provided ARPS’s goals.
The only girls’ game today saw Umiuh SC defeat Mawryngkneng SC 1-0 thanks to a 21st minute goal by Brigida Lyngdoh.
Wednesday will witness two girls’ games at the JN Stadium in Polo. The first will be between Tyrsad Sec School and Mawpdang SC at 2:15pm, while the other will see Lawsohtun SC face East Jaintia District Sports Association at 3:45pm.
