KHLIEHRIAT, Oct 24: Khliehriat East YWSC and R. Synrangshahkhain SC booked their places in the semi-finals of the 1st Division League of the Thomas Nongtdu Memorial Trophy after winning their respective quarter-final matches at the Artificial Ground in Diengshynrum, Khliehriat, on Friday.
Organised by the East Jaiñtia Hills District Football Association (EJHDFA), the tournament witnessed two closely contested encounters, with both matches requiring penalty shootouts to determine the winners after the teams could not be separated in regulation time.
In the opening quarter-final, Khliehriat East YWSC edged past R. Iawpynsing SC 3-2 in the penalty shootout following an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Roikhihbha Nongtdu emerged as the standout performer for Khliehriat East, scoring both goals for his side.
He opened the scoring in the 31st minute before converting a penalty in the 62nd minute to give his team a two-goal advantage.
However, R. Iawpynsing fought back in the closing stages to force the match into a shootout.
Emaroy Dkhar reduced the deficit in the 71st minute, while Mebankyrkhu Dkhar found the equaliser in the 80th minute to revive his side’s hopes.
With neither team able to find a winner before the final whistle, the contest was decided from the penalty spot.
Khliehriat East held their nerve to prevail 3-2 and progress to the last four.
Nongtdu was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution, having scored both of his team’s goals during regulation time.
The second quarter-final between R. Synrangshahkhain SC and Lumshnong YWSC proved to be a more cautious affair, with neither side managing to break the deadlock over the course of the match.
Despite efforts from both teams, the contest ended goalless, forcing another penalty shootout to determine who would advance to the semi-finals.