Meghalaya State League: Mawlai & Ladthadlaboh cruise into semis with goal fests

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 11, 2025

A near-flawless Mawlai surged to a commanding 8-0 victory over Khliehmawlieh in their Meghalaya State League 2024 quarterfinal at the SSA Stadium on Saturday, securing a spot in the semifinals of the state’s premier football tournament.

In the day’s other match, Ladthadlaboh overturned an early deficit to defeat Sutnga 5-2 in a thrilling Jaintia Hills Derby held at Diengshynrum, Khliehriat. Shillong Lajong was the first team to reach the semifinals, having beaten defending champions Rangdajied United 3-1 in last week’s quarterfinal.

The encounter between Sutnga and Ladthadlaboh marked their first meeting in the tournament. Sutnga, representing East Jaintia Hills, took the lead in the 13th minute through Raplangki Lyngdoh. However, Ladthadlaboh, from West Jaintia Hills, equalized before halftime with Rangdajied Sayoo scoring in the 36th minute.

The second half belonged to Ladthadlaboh, who delivered a dominant performance. Goals from Dangaitlang Mulieh (51′), Rangdajied (68′), Banteilang Shylla (70′), and Dowell John Shylla (89′) sealed their victory. Sutnga managed a second goal through Solmon Sympli (77′), but it was too little, too late.

Khliehmawlieh, runners-up in the MSL 2023, had famously defeated Mawlai in last year’s semifinals. However, this time Mawlai left no room for error, putting in a flawless performance over 90 minutes.

Mawlai took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with an own goal in the 26th minute followed by Khrawkupar Jana’s strike in the 35th. In the second half, Robert Khongriah netted twice in quick succession (53′, 55′), while substitute Romarius Laban (64′, 83′), Khrawkupar (87′) with his second, and Kevin Rymbai (90’+1) rounded off the rout.

The opener came from a free-kick delivered into the box, which a Khliehmawlieh defender inadvertently deflected into his own net while attempting to deny Mawlai’s Donlad Diengdoh. Minutes later, Khrawkupar latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a trademark left-footed strike to beat goalkeeper Handbill Savio Syiemlieh at the near post.

Khliehmawlieh had a chance to respond before halftime through Kyntiew Myrthong, their hero in the MSL 2023 semifinal, but his heavy touch allowed the ball to roll out for a goal kick.

Mawlai continued their relentless attack in the second half, with Robert scoring twice in quick succession, one with each foot. Substitute Romarius Laban added two more, including a spectacular header from a tight angle. Khrawkupar completed his brace, and Kevin Rymbai capped off the scoring with a late goal following a precise cross from Robertson, who was later named Player of the Match. Robertson received his trophy from Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling.

The final quarterfinal match will see Chipakkore take on Rymbai Shkenshynriah at the PA Sangma Stadium in Tura on January 14 at 1 PM.