SHILLONG:
Malki SC scored on either side of half time for a 2-0 victory against Mawkhar SC in the seventh match of the Shillong Premier League 2021-22 at Third Ground, Polo on Friday.
The goals were provided by Donboklang Mawlong (45’) and Kordor Dkhar (48’).
Malki had lost their first encounter to Ryntih SC 3-0 last week, while Mawkhar were locked in a 1-1 draw with Rangdajied United FC.
Although the two clubs have some of the least-experienced squads in this year’s OC Blue SPL, they make up for that with plenty of energy.
Aibanraplang Dohling started with an early goal for Mawkhar but this was disallowed for offside. Two minutes later, Malki captain Pynkhambor Suting struck a little wide of the mark, followed by another one only just off target by Mawkhar’s Balajied Syiemlieh.
Mawkhar, in the 29th minute, had an indirect free-kick inside the Malki box after the latter’s goalkeeper, Rihoklang Khongjoh was found to have held on to the ball for too long but it proved, as many indirect free-kicks do, to be difficult to convert.
Four minutes later, Mawlong had a strong attempt that went wide but he made good in the 45th minute to put Malki in front; two attempts off a corner kick by his team mates were unsuccessful but the ball then fell to the unmarked Mawlong who put it away nicely.
Cushioned by their one goal lead, Malki came out after the break eager to extend their advantage and they did not have to wait long.
Three minutes in, a cross from the left flank was flicked in his direction and Dkhar aimed the ball low into the net, though it did take a deflection from a Mawkhar defender on the way through.
Mawkhar, who are playing in their first season of the OC Blue SPL, tried to claw their way back but continually found themselves off target. They came closest in the 53rd minute when Malki had to clear a shot hurriedly off the line and a subsequent attempt skimmed over the crossbar.
The last action of the game saw a beautiful cross headed wide by Banehskhem Khongsdam, which summed up the type of day it was for Mawkhar – full of promise but ultimately disappointing. Malki, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the win after a less than impressive opening game.
Tomorrow’s match, at 4pm, promises to be one of the biggest of the first leg as Ryntih will go head to head with Rangdajied United.