Mawlai defeats Ladthadlaboh to reach maiden Meghalaya State League final

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 27, 2025

Mawlai took a monumental step by reaching their first-ever Meghalaya State League final after a 1-0 victory over Ladthadlaboh in the first semifinal at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, Monday evening.

Damanbhalang Chyne was the hero of the night, scoring the only goal in the 29th minute. Despite Ladthadlaboh’s valiant efforts, they were unable to find a way back into the game.

Having been knocked out in the 2023 semifinals, Mawlai will now face the winners of tomorrow’s second semifinal between Rymbai Shkenshynriah and Shillong Lajong at the Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex. The kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 PM.

Monday evening’s match was played under floodlights, attracting a large crowd, including many fans from West Jaintia Hills who came to support Ladthadlaboh in their maiden MSL semifinal appearance.

Ladthadlaboh’s Buromlangki Salahe had the first shot on target, but Mawlai’s goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare was up to the task, punching the ball away.

Mawlai continuously pressed forward, with striker Donlad Diengdoh leading the charge. The crucial goal came after a long ball enabled Donlad to break through the defense. Ladthadlaboh’s goalkeeper Ialamlang Biam came out to clear the ball but failed to control it, allowing Donlad to steal it. However, Donlad lost the ball to a defender, leading to a crucial mistake. The defender left the ball for Ialamlang to clear, but the keeper was racing back to the goal, giving Damanbhalang the opportunity to score with a single touch.

Despite their best efforts, Ladthadlaboh couldn’t break through Mawlai’s defense. Mawlai had several chances to extend their lead but failed to convert them. The match’s intensity was heightened by a heavy downpour, keeping fans on edge until the final whistle.

Ialamlang, Ladthadlaboh’s captain, was visibly emotional at the end of the match, possibly blaming himself. However, he put in a commendable performance, with a notable save in the second half to deny Donlad.

Attention now shifts to Wahiajer for the second semifinal. The MSL, organized by the Meghalaya Football Association and supported by the Government of Meghalaya, has a reputation for surprises in the knockout rounds. R Shkenshynriah will be aiming to deliver another upset when they face 2019 champions Lajong tomorrow.