SHILLONG : Nongkseh SS&CC produced an impressive comeback to defeat Godavari FC 3-1 in their crucial I-League 3 Group C encounter at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday, securing qualification for the Final Round as group toppers with nine points.
After falling behind to an early goal from V Sunil in the 14th minute, Nongkseh fought back through Shano Tariang (18′), Mebankhraw (74′) and Dawanchwa Carlos Challam (77′) to register a memorable victory.
The result was particularly significant as Godavari FC had won all three of their previous group matches, while Nongkseh entered the contest under pressure following their defeat against Lakecity FC.
With six points from three matches, Nongkseh needed a victory to guarantee their qualification. The Shillong side responded with a disciplined performance, gradually taking control after an early setback.
Godavari took the lead in the 14th minute when Sunil converted a well-weighted pass from Suhail near the Nongkseh penalty area. Suhail had collected a long ball before setting up his teammate in a promising position. Although Nongkseh’s defenders appeared to believe Sunil was offside, the assistant referee kept the flag down, allowing the forward to score.
Nongkseh restored parity just four minutes later. Kynsaibor Lhuid unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area on the left flank, which Godavari goalkeeper Lakshay M failed to hold. Shano reacted quickest to the rebound and found the back of the net to make it 1-1 in the 18th minute.
Both sides continued to battle for control, but Nongkseh remained organised and increasingly dangerous going forward.
Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri came close to putting Nongkseh ahead on two occasions. In the 68th minute, substitute Aenam Graffenberg Jyrwa delivered an excellent cross from the left, but Hardy’s attempt narrowly missed the target.
Aenam produced another similar delivery seven minutes later, once again finding the captain in a promising position, but Hardy could not direct his effort on target.
Nongkseh finally took the lead in the 74th minute through a well-executed set-piece. Hardy delivered a corner into the Godavari penalty area, where Mebankhraw rose above the defenders to power a header into the net and make it 2-1.
Three minutes later, Nongkseh extended their advantage with an excellent team move. Dawanchwa Carlos Challam initiated the attack by finding Hardy, who combined with Shano. Shano then switched the play to Kynsailang Khongsit on the right flank.
Kynsailang delivered a cross across the face of goal, which Dawanchwa met with a perfectly timed low diving header to score Nongkseh’s third goal in the 77th minute.
With a two-goal advantage, Nongkseh managed the remainder of the match comfortably to seal an important 3-1 victory.
Shano Tariang was named Player of the Match for his impressive contribution, including the equaliser that brought Nongkseh back into the contest.
The match saw three yellow cards for Godavari FC, while Nongkseh’s Chesterpaul Lyngdoh also received a caution.
With this victory, Nongkseh finished Group C at the top of the standings with nine points to qualify for the I-League 3 Final Round.
The Final Round will feature the four group winners and the two best second-placed teams from across the groups, with the six qualified teams competing in a round-robin format.