SHILLONG : Defending champions Mawlai SC rescued a dramatic late point after playing out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Nongkseh SSCC in the opening Group A match of the 5th Meghalaya State League (MSL) Super 8 stage at the SSA Stadium.
Nongkseh looked set for a famous victory after Hardy Cliff Nongbri scored in the 39th minute, but Mawlai struck deep into stoppage time through Verjelous Shylla to snatch a draw in front of a packed crowd.
The match witnessed intense action from both sides, with Nongkseh relying on their pace while Mawlai displayed defensive discipline despite lacking a recognised striker upfront.
After taking the lead before halftime, Nongkseh maintained pressure for most of the second half and appeared on course for all three points. However, six minutes of stoppage time proved costly as Verjelous Shylla found space outside the box and curled in a stunning left-footed effort in the 90+3 minute past goalkeeper Guidle Syiemlieh.
The equaliser marked Verjelous’s first goal of the tournament and a memorable moment for the midfielder, who previously played in lower division Shillong leagues.
In the second Group A fixture, former champions Shillong Lajong FC edged Rangdajied United FC 1-0 in a closely fought contest.
Shillong Lajong came close in the first half when a header from Deibormame Tongper off a corner was cleared off the line at the last moment. Rangdajied United also created several chances and nearly scored midway through the second half, but desperate defending from Lajong kept the scores level.
Lajong eventually broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Banlamkupar Rynjah’s shot took a heavy deflection off a defender, leaving Rangdajied goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer wrongfooted.
The Group B matches of the Super 8 stage will begin on Thursday at the MFA Ground. Nangkiew Irat SC will face Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC at 11am, followed by Langsning FC taking on Maram FC at 3pm.