Shillong : Langsning FC sealed their place in the semifinals of the 5th Meghalaya State League after registering an impressive 4-2 victory over Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC in a thrilling Group B quarterfinal league stage encounter on Saturday.
Despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half, Langsning showed great determination and attacking strength to secure all three points and confirm qualification to the last four.
Atlanson Kharmaw opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a well-taken free-kick before Samuel Phawa doubled the lead in the 41st minute after beating stand-in goalkeeper Yooluty Dkhar in a one-on-one situation.
Rymbai Shkenshynriah returned strongly after halftime and pulled one back in the 48th minute through Iaishah Bareh, who cleverly flicked the ball into the net before it crossed the line.
However, Langsning restored their two-goal cushion in the 70th minute when Dajiedlang Wanshnong tapped home from a diagonal cross. Moments later, celebrations turned dramatic as Dajiedlang was shown a red card following a scuffle with an opposition player.
Even with a numerical advantage, Shkenshynriah failed to fully capitalize as Mecheal Roy Kurbah added Langsning’s fourth goal deep into stoppage time. Harita Suchen later scored a consolation goal for the East Jaintia Hills side in added time.
In the earlier match, Nangkiew Irat SC kept their semifinal hopes alive with a 3-1 win over Maram FC. Justerwell Tham scored twice while Neblejohn Lyngkhoi added another goal. Maram’s only goal came through Threesbirth Momin late in the game.
Following the results, Langsning now sit on top of Group B with 12 points and are guaranteed a semifinal berth. Rymbai Shkenshynriah and Nangkiew Irat remain tied on 9 points, with their upcoming clash set to decide the second semifinalist from the group.