Shillong, May 20: Nongkseh SSCC continued to prove they are no longer underdogs in the 5th Meghalaya State League, holding giants Shillong Lajong FC to a pulsating 1-1 draw in their Group A quarterfinal clash at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday evening.
Coming into the match high on confidence after defeating Lajong 2-0 just two days earlier, Nongkseh once again showed discipline, grit and tactical sharpness against one of Meghalaya’s biggest football clubs. The draw keeps Nongkseh at the top of the group standings with 8 points and strengthens their push towards the semifinals.
The atmosphere inside the stadium carried the intensity of a knockout final, with supporters from both camps turning up in large numbers despite the quick turnaround between matches. And just like in their previous encounter, Nongkseh’s threat from set-pieces proved decisive.
Midfielder Mebankhraw Wahlang broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute after meeting a dangerous corner delivered by Hardy Cliff Nongbri, giving Nongkseh the advantage and sending their supporters into celebration.
Shillong Lajong, however, responded swiftly through their trademark quick passing game. Just four minutes later, Fridison Wanniang combined neatly with teammates before slotting the ball through the legs of Nongkseh goalkeeper Guidle Syiemlieh to restore parity.
Despite Lajong enjoying more possession in open play, Nongkseh stood firm defensively and matched their more fancied opponents with determination and organisation. Their recent performances against Lajong have underlined the growing stature of the club in Meghalaya football, with the two encounters producing contests worthy of a final.
Meanwhile in Group B, defending champions Mawlai SC revived their campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Rangdajied United FC. Basuklang Bina starred with a brace, while Fairming Suting and Samlang Rympei added a goal each.
The result leaves Rangdajied without a point after four consecutive defeats, ending their hopes of reaching the semifinals.
In the latest standings, Nongkseh lead Group A with 8 points, followed by Shillong Lajong on 7. Mawlai are also on 7 points in Group B but trail Lajong on head-to-head record.
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