Nongkseh & Lajong qualify for semis; holders Mawlai out

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 22: Nongkseh SSCC and Shillong Lajong FC grabbed the two semifinal spots from Group A in the 5th Meghalaya State League by winning their respective quarterfinal league stage matches on Friday.

While Nongkseh comfortably beat bottom side Rangdajied United 4-1, the second fixture of the day involving Lajong and Mawlai SC was far more enthralling. Lajong’s 1-0 win thanks to a 72nd minute strike by Fridison Wanniang not only secured their berth in the semis

In the standings, Nongkseh lead the group with 11 points to Lajong’s 10 and Mawlai’s 7. RUFC have 0. Although there is still a round remaining, losing twice to Lajong means that Mawlai, based on head-to-head, cannot hope to reach the Top 2 even if they beat Nongkseh on Monday and SLFC lose to Rangdajied.

Mawlai lacked composure in defence during the first half but still managed to hold on, though rather desperately. Their custodian, Lambhamiki Lamare, was made to work overtime, from the very first minute in fact, would do the same in the 20th minute but Mawlai also had their chances, with Fairming Suting rattling the woodwork in the 12th minute. Both teams were somewhat understrength due to suspensions of key players but Lajong did not let that stop them. Coach Bobby L Nongbet brought on Emanbha Marbaniang in the second half and practi- cally his first touch of the game was to set up Fridi- son’s thundering left-footer. Earlier, Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw (30′) scored his first goal of the tourna- ment but Nongkseh had to