Meghalaya Youth League: West Jaintia and Nongstoin to clash in U-14 final, Shillong and Ri-Bhoi to face off in U-16

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 9, 2024

The semifinals of the Meghalaya Youth League 2024 were held on October 9, showcasing an impressive level of football. As a result, four different teams will compete in the finals for the U-14 and U-16 categories, scheduled for Friday.

In the U-14 final, the West Jaintia District Sports Association will face the Nongstoin District Sports Association. Meanwhile, the U-16 final will feature the Shillong Sports Association against the Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association.

All four teams are eager to claim victory in this inaugural tournament, organized by the Meghalaya Football Association with support from the Meghalaya government.

The U-14 semifinals took place at the MFA Turf in Polo. In a tightly contested match, West Jaintia DSA and Shillong SA ended regular and extra time in a 0-0 draw, leading to a penalty shootout that West Jaintia won 4-3. Later, Nongstoin DSA celebrated a 1-0 win over Ri-Bhoi DSA, with a Refel Markwius Wanniang (45′) shot sailing past the gloves of the goalkeeper. 

The U-16 semifinals, held at the Sports Authority of India centre at NEHU, saw the same teams but with reversed outcomes. Shillong SA triumphed with a commanding 4-1 win against West Jaintia DSA, with goals from Iminstar Mawlong (46′), Menangpyndap Khongjee (51′), and Wanpyndap Kharkongor (77′). West Jaintia managed to score a penalty through Serene Dkhar in stoppage time (90’+1), but Menangpyndap quickly responded with a penalty of his own (90’+5).

In the other U-16 semifinal, Ri-Bhoi edged out Nongstoin 3-2. Me-u-ba-ai Sumer opened the scoring for Ri-Bhoi in the 9th minute, but Mickystar Diengdoh equalized for Nongstoin in the 23rd minute. Ri-Bhoi regained the lead with Prosperwell Ryntong’s goal in the 27th minute and extended it with another from Me-u-ba-ai in the 58th minute. Despite Shemborlang Snaitang pulling one back for Nongstoin in the 85th minute, Ri-Bhoi held on for the win.

Excitement now builds for the finals, taking place at the SSA Stadium at First Ground in Polo. The U-14 final will kick off at 11 Am, followed by the U-16 final at 2 PM. Entry is free for all spectators, promising an electric atmosphere.