Shillong, May 24: Reigning Meghalaya State League (MSL) champions Shillong Lajong started their title defence with a bang as they marched to a 10-0 victory over Lumdiengngan in Group C at the MDSA Ground in Mawkyrwat on Wednesday.
In other results, Langsning devastated Umrit 9-1 in Group A at the MFA Turf in Shillong, while, in Jowai, Ladthadlaboh went to the top of Group B with a 2-0 win against Mulait United. There was to be no winner in Tura on Wednesday, as Khliehmawlieh Youth Club and Selsella Sports Association played out an absorbing 2-2 draw at the Chandmari Ground in Group D.
In the most one-sided match by margin of victory this season, Lajong’s Babysunday Marngar (25′, 31′, 42′, 46′, 49′) registered an astounding five goals and there were single strikes contributed by Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem (4′), Pynche Tyngkan (16′), Atlanson Kharmaw (70′), Ioanis Suchen (77′) and Hardy Cliff Nongbri (90’+2).
Lajong’s opening fixture came in the second week of MSL 2023 as they were involved in a successful campaign in the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Second Division League prior to this match.
It also rained goals in the first half in Shillong, with Langsning pumping in half a dozen through Dauruhipaia Pale (3′, 45′), Arnesius Marwein (5′), Kordor Dkhar (12′, 42′) and Kynsaibor Lhuid (24′). Federick Wahlang put another goal into the back of the net in the 52nd minute but Umrit finally got one of their own when Wanroyshang Sangma scored with a left-footer on the run in the 68th minute.
However, soon after Langsning had another after Lhuid outran the defence and scooted the ball low past the keeper and Pale netted his hat-trick in the 87th minute to complete the rout.
At the Kiang Nangbah Stadium in Jowai it took until the 40th minute before the deadlock was broken, with Ladthadlaboh’s Stephanson Pale converting a penalty. Roughly 60 seconds into the second half Ladthadlaboh had their second goal after a through ball that the Mulait goalkeeper should have collected was fumbled and Nickyboy Swer capitalised on the gift to make it 2-0.
The win restores Ladthadlaboh’s lead of Group B as they now have 10 points but Rangdajied United could take that place back if they beat Rymbai Iawpynsing on Thursday. For Mulait, Wednesday’s match ended their run of two victories in two games.
Over in Tura, two goals were scored in under 10 minutes as Maldrin Marak gave Selsella Sports Association the lead in the fourth minute but this was cancelled out soon after by Kyntiew Marthong (6′). Just before half time, Maldrin (45′) netted another to give Selsella the lead going into the break. The second equaliser came out of the blue 10 minutes into the second half as a cross by D Marngar went deep, over the keeper and struck the upright before going in all on its own.
The stalemate leaves Group D very much open, with Wasa FC and Khliehmawlieh both on 7 points after three games; these two sides are yet to meet in the competition.
There will be just one match on Thursday, as Groups A, C and D all get a rest. The only action will be in the bigger Group B where Rangdajied United will take on Rymbai Iawpynsing in Jowai from 2:30pm.
Thursday’s fixtures:
Group A, Shillong – No matches scheduled
Group B, Jowai – Rymbai Iawpynsing vs Rangdajied United, 2:30pm
Group C, Mawkyrwat – No matches scheduled
Group D, Tura – No matches scheduled
