Tura, Jan 16: In a thrilling clash between U18 Girls’ Football teams of Ri Bhoi District and East Jaintia Hills in the qualifying match for the semifinals, Ri Bhoi District emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 triumph on Tuesday morning. With this win, Ri Bhoi has booked a spot at the upcoming semifinals of the 5th Meghalaya Games, which will be played at the iconic PA Sangma Stadium.
Both teams started strongly, coming on the backs of strong wins in their previous matches. Ri Bhoi had defeated West Jaintia Hills by 8 goals to nil on January 14 while East Jaintia Hills had defeated West Jaintia Hills by 7 goals to nil on January 12, 2024.
A must win game for both the sides to enter the semifinals, both teams showed incredible skills and athleticism to win the ball. It was hard to tell which side was better since the match was well poised with both sides unrelenting.
However, it was probably the initial jitters and a bit of morning chill, that East Jaintia Hills were getting warmed up to the heat of the match when Rimika Khongkai, jersey no 11, found the opportunity to break free from East Jaintia Hills defence formation with just 2 minutes into the game, firing in one through the goalkeeper to find the back of the net, giving her team the much-needed head start. Following that, East Jaintia Hills tightened their defences to deny any more chances while looking for an equaliser, which could not manifest till the end of first half.
Coming back for the second half, East Jaintia Hills looked as relentless as ever, tyring to find the equalizer. But Ri Bhoi was well prepared to play the long waiting game, know well that one goal was all that could tilt their fortunes. They bolstered their defences, not giving any opening to East Jaintia Hills for any equaliser much less a chance to win. However, Ri Bhoi did try to go for the net a few times, hoping to widen the goal difference but were unsuccessful.
Despite their best efforts, the scoreline remained 1 – 0 at the end of regulation play, sending Ri Bhoi into the semis.
Another major achievement of the match was that there were no yellow or red card incidents even though girls from both sides put their bodies behind the ball to better the other side.
Next, Ri Bhoi District will confront Eastern West Khasi Hills District in the semi-final on the January 18 at the PA Sangma Stadium.
