Shillong: Nangkiew Irat SC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nongthymmai SC in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 at SSA Stadium, Polo, on February 19. The match saw dramatic moments, especially in the dying stages, with Nangkiew Irat surviving a nervy finish to hold onto their lead.
The game began with an unfortunate turn of events for Nongthymmai, as an own goal in the 49th minute handed Nangkiew Irat the advantage. Akash Thapa, Nongthymmai’s goalkeeper, misjudged a corner after initially blocking an attempt from Shaibor Nongrum, and his failed punch resulted in the ball clipping his arm and rolling into the net. Nangkiew Irat capitalized on the gift, but the game would not settle easily.
Banraplang Nongsteng extended Nangkiew Irat’s lead in the 78th minute with a calm tap-in following a well-placed pass from Gobindash Singh. The goal seemed to seal the points for Nangkiew Irat, but a mistake from their goalkeeper, Surjay Kumar Pariyar, allowed Nongthymmai to get back into the game in the 87th minute. Surjay misjudged a cross and, unaware of Mowell Chyne’s proximity, placed the ball on the ground only for Chyne to steal it and score.
However, Surjay redeemed himself in stoppage time with a crucial penalty save, denying Nongthymmai’s Donboklang Majaw after Thymmaibor Mukhim was fouled in the box. His performance in the final moments ensured Nangkiew Irat held onto their slender lead.
Despite the victory, Nangkiew Irat remained in sixth place with 19 points, while Nongthymmai, still at the bottom, stayed in ninth place and faced a tough challenge to avoid relegation. With only three matches left, two of which are against teams in the top three, Nongthymmai’s survival hopes are hanging by a thread.
The match was officiated by an all-women team, led by referee Luckymerry Lyngdoh.
In the day’s other fixture, Nongrim Hills SC, currently in eighth place, will face second-placed Shillong Lajong FC at 3 pm. Lajong had defeated Nongrim Hills 1-0 in the previous encounter on January 6.
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