Shillong : Nongkseh SSCC and Shillong Lajong FC delivered another thrilling encounter in the quarterfinal stage of the 5th Meghalaya State League (MSL), settling for a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the SSA Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The high-voltage clash came just two days after Nongkseh had defeated Lajong 2-0, but the intensity remained just as fierce as supporters from both sides once again packed the stadium to cheer for their teams.
Nongkseh continued to prove dangerous from set-pieces and took the lead in the 33rd minute when Mebankhraw Wahlang headed home from a corner delivered by Hardy Cliff Nongbri.
Shillong Lajong, however, responded strongly through their quick attacking play and equalised only four minutes later. Fridison Wanniang found the back of the net in the 37th minute after a neat one-two passing move, slipping the ball through the legs of Nongkseh goalkeeper Guidle Syiemlieh.
Despite the match ending in a draw, both sides once again produced a contest worthy of a final, showcasing high-quality football and relentless energy throughout the game.
In the other quarterfinal clash, defending champions Mawlai SC registered a dominant 4-0 victory over Rangdajied United FC to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Mawlai’s goals came through Basuklang Bina (14’, 39’), Fairming Suting (66’) and Samlang Rympei (90+4’).
The defeat ended Rangdajied’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals after suffering their fourth straight loss in the quarterfinal stage, despite still having two matches remaining.
Basuklang Bina continued his impressive scoring form by netting twice to become Mawlai’s top scorer in this edition of the MSL with six goals. He opened the scoring early before heading in a free-kick delivered by Robertson Khongriah for his second goal.
Rangdajied showed flashes of improvement but struggled with poor touches and defensive lapses, which Mawlai capitalised on effectively. Fairming Suting added the third goal in the second half, while Samlang Rympei sealed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time.
Following the latest results, Nongkseh SSCC remain at the top of the Group B standings with 8 points, while Shillong Lajong FC are second with 7 points. Mawlai SC are also on 7 points but remain third due to Lajong’s head-to-head advantage. Rangdajied United FC are yet to register a point.