Shillong, May 9: St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School pulled off their second win from a goal down on Tuesday, which ensured that they finished at the top of Group B in the Assam Rifles CAPF Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament for Meghalaya. St Anthony’s defeated West Jaintia Hills District Sports Association 2-1 in the boys’ match.
Needing only a draw to qualify at the top on goal difference, West Jaintia Hills made things even more difficult for their opponents by taking the lead through a penalty converted by Wanmi Nongrum in the 33rd minute.
The match was categorised by rapid passing and swift counterattacks between the two teams that look like the sides most likely to go all the way to the final of the tournament.
Unsurprisingly there were several fouls committed in the fast-paced fixture. One such offence on Rheadolf Nongneng allowed St Anthony’s back into the game. Taken from just outside the box on the right side, Melvin Marbaniang curled the ball deliciously around a four-man wall for the equaliser in the 52nd minute.
Less than 10 minutes later Nongneng was the recipient of a throw-in, which he passed to team mate Freestar Kharbangar, who was unmarked inside the box. The latter produced a shot from close range past the goalkeeper to put his side into the lead, but was then shown a red card for an infraction soon after, which means that he will miss the crucial semifinal clash against Wahingdoh FC on Thursday. Kharbangar had also scored both of St Anthony’s goals in the earlier 2-1 victory over Rangdajied UFC.
Despite the defeat, West Jaintia Hills still qualified for the last-four stage, where they will meet Nongstoin District Sports Association on Thursday.
Meanwhile, in the earlier game between third and fourth-placed Rangdajied and KV Laitkor, the former claimed their first win with a 5-0 result. Lenny Paul Kurbah (50th, 54th minutes) recorded a brace, while Wilbert Marbaniang (63rd), Atlanson Kharmaw (64th) and Banshanbok Blah (70th) picked up a goal each.
In the girls’ semifinals on Wednesday, Group A toppers Umsning SC will face Group B’s second-placed Tyrsad Higher Secondary School at 1:30pm at Third Ground, Polo. The second semi, between Group B leaders East Jaintia Hills District Sports Association and Group A runners-up Laitkor SC, will follow at 3:15pm.
