Shillong:
Rymbai Iawpynsing and Mawlai SC registered convincing victories in the Meghalaya State League 2023 today, each winning their respective matches 5-1.
In the other results, it was a first victory for Chipakkore FC in Group D and a second for Seven United in Group C.
Chipakkore bagged their maiden win of the MSL by coming from two goals to one down in an exciting 5-2 Group D match against Atong Matgrik FC at the Chandmari Ground in Tura, while Seven United edged Pyndengre 2-1 in Group C at Mawkyrwat’s MDSA Ground.
Arkidalang Myrthong (17′) and Teilang Kurbah (47′) scored for Seven United, while Wanpyrkhat Iawphniaw (90’+2) pulled one back at the end for Pyndengrei. Chipakkore’s five goals were scored by Balkan Marak (20′), Samuel Shadap (52′), Sidartha Rabha (63′), and Baiarjingmut Syngkli (77′, 82′). Atong Matgrik, meanwhile, found the back of the net through Senwal Ch Marak (4′) and Walsrang Ch Sangma (37′).
Hesmiki Rymbai celebrated a hat-trick in the Group B fixture at the Kiang Nangbah Stadium in Jowai, scoring in the fifth, 82nd, and 84th minutes, with additional goals by Obadaia Bareh (19′) and Niwan-o Bareh (72′) before Paiabanteiskhem Bhoi (90’+1) poked home a consolation goal in stoppage time for Sein Pynbhalang.
Hesmiki’s first goal was a little fortuitous, as his flick off a cross clipped the upright at the far post before going in. His other two goals both came via through balls, with the last being the more difficult, as he had little space to work with but found the gap to shoot between the goalkeeper and the target from a tight angle.
Rymbai have now joined Rangdajied United and Ladthadlaboh on 9 points each but have played an extra match. Sein Pynbhalang, meanwhile, continues to occupy the bottom spot but at least scored their first goal of the competition today.
It was exactly the same scoreline at the MFA Turf in Shillong, where Group A leaders Mawlai breezed to a 5-1 victory. Like Rymbai, Mawlai were unable to keep a clean sheet as they conceded right at the end of the game.
Robert Khongriah (19′) scored the opening goal before team mates Brolington Warlarpih (21′) and Donlad Diengdoh (39′) made it 3-0 before the break. Remark Kharmalki then responded with a brace in the second half, scoring in the 55th and 79th minutes.
It was bad news for Mawlai at the death, though, as their first-choice goalkeeper, Neithovilie Chalieu, was given a direct red card for a studs-up challenge on an Umkseh player. Donborlang Nongkynrih donned the gloves but could not keep out Marcellino Khongsit’s (90’+5) spot kick.
Mawlai will thus have to miss out on Chalieu’s services in the next fixture, but they have nevertheless tightened their hold on Group A, with their third win in three outings giving them a full nine points.