Khliehmawlieh stuns Mawlai, Rangdajied overcomes Lajong advance to MSL final in thrilling fashion

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 13, 2023

In the thrilling Meghalaya State League 2023, both Khliehmawlieh Youth Club and Rangdajied United FC achieved remarkable comebacks to secure their spots in the final. The day was filled with excitement and disbelief as these two teams defied the odds.

At the SSA Stadium in Shillong, Khliehmawlieh fought back from a 1-0 deficit in the first leg to triumph 3-1 in the second leg, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate victory over Mawlai SC. Meanwhile, Rangdajied faced an even greater challenge after trailing 3-0 in the first leg against defending champions Shillong Lajong FC. However, they staged an incredible recovery and won the second leg 3-0 at the MDSA Ground in Mawkyrwat. With the aggregate score tied at 3-3, the match went into penalties, where Rangdajied emerged victorious with a score of 4-3.

These matches will be remembered as some of the finest in the history of the MSL. Now, Khliehmawlieh and Rangdajied will have a few days of rest before facing each other in what promises to be an equally captivating final at the SSA Stadium on Saturday.

In the first leg against Mawlai, Khliehmawlieh initially struggled as their opponents took the lead through Donlad Diengdoh (33) header. With a 2-0 aggregate lead in favor of Mawlai, it seemed they were in control. However, just before halftime, Khliehmawlieh Mainingstar Marngar (45+1) scored an equalizer, injecting new life into the match.

Khliehmawlieh’s second goal was a little fortunate, with Livingstone Nongrang storming up the right flank. He sent in a cross that was a bit deep and, completely unexpectedly, it sailed into the net at the far side. 

That levelled the semifinal at 2-2 on aggregate and the visiting team were brilliant in controlling the midfield but their fightback appeared to suffer a huge blow after a foul in the box led to a penalty kick being awarded to Mawlai. The match took a dramatic turn Khliehmawlieh’s bench was furious with the decision, however, and the referee red-carded the coach. That extended break in play may have weighed on Mawlai captain Brolington Warlarpih, as he sent the spot kick well over the bar. 

With time running out, Mawlai were playing high and did not spot another run by Nongrang up the right. With support to his left, Khliehmawlieh outnumbered Mawlai and Nongrang cleverly drew out Chalieu before crossing for Kyntiew Myrthong (90′) to tap the ball into an empty net, making the fairytale comeback a reality.

Meanwhile, at Mawkyrwat, Rangdajied’s win was remarkable given the wave that Lajong have been riding since recently securing promotion to the I-league. In the end, the three goals during regulation time were all scored by ex-SLFC players – Tremiki Lamurong (32′, 73′) and substitute Batskhem Thangkhiew (56′). 

The match was thus taken to penalties and, although the players are almost completely different, fans of the MSL will remember that Lajong defeated Rangdajied in the MSL 2019 final on penalties to lift the trophy. That was not to be the case today, however, as Rangdajied held their nerve to take it 4-3.

With the final set to be between Khliehmawlieh and Rangdajied, MSL 2023 is guaranteed new champions once again, thereby living up to its intended purpose of discovering new talent, promoting teams from across the state and delivering top-class football for the fans.