Shillong, Oct 30: Nongkseh SS&CC came from behind to defeat Godavari FC 3-1 in a crucial I-League 3 Group C encounter, securing qualification for the Final Round as group toppers with nine points at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday evening.
After conceding an early goal through V. Sunil in the 14th minute, Nongkseh responded through Shano Tariang (18’), Mebankhraw (74’) and Dawanchwa Carlos Challam (77’) to complete an impressive comeback against a side that had won all three of its previous group matches.
Nongkseh entered the contest under considerable pressure following their defeat against Lakecity FC. With six points from three matches, they needed a win to guarantee their progress to the next stage. The home side responded with a compact and composed performance, maintaining their discipline while gradually taking control of the contest.
Godavari opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Sunil, who received a well-weighted pass from Suhail near the Nongkseh penalty area. Suhail had gathered a long ball before picking out his teammate in a promising position. The Nongkseh defenders appeared to believe Sunil was offside and made only a hesitant attempt to stop the attack. However, the assistant referee kept the flag down, allowing Sunil to capitalise on the opportunity and put Godavari ahead.
Nongkseh responded almost immediately, restoring parity in the 18th minute. Kynsaibor Lhuid produced a powerful attempt from outside the penalty area, which Godavari goalkeeper Lakshay M managed to stop but was unable to hold on to the ball, and Shano Tariang reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.
Although the momentum shifted between the two sides, Nongkseh remained organised and looked increasingly threatening in attack.
Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri had opportunities to put his side ahead before the decisive goals arrived. In the 68th minute, substitute Aenam Graffenberg Jyrwa delivered an excellent cross from the left flank, but Hardy’s attempt narrowly missed the target. Seven minutes later, Aenam produced another similar delivery, again finding the captain in a promising position. However, Hardy was unable to direct his effort on target, leaving the score unchanged.
Nongkseh eventually found the breakthrough in the 74th minute. Hardy delivered a corner into the Godavari penalty area, where Mebankhraw rose above the defenders to meet the ball with a powerful header, giving Nongkseh the crucial 2-1 lead.
Three minutes later, Nongkseh extended their advantage with a well-constructed attacking move. Dawanchwa Carlos Challam initiated the move by passing the ball to Hardy, who then linked up with Shano. Shano moved the ball to Kynsailang Khongsit on the right flank, and Kynsailang delivered a cross across the face of goal into the penalty area. Dawanchwa timed his run well and met the delivery with a superb low diving header, sending the ball into the net in the 77th minute.
The goal gave Nongkseh a two-goal cushion and put them firmly in control of the contest. Having recovered from the early setback, they managed the remainder of the match with composure to secure a 3-1 victory.
Shano Tariang was named Player of the Match for his contribution, including the crucial equaliser that brought Nongkseh back into the contest. The match saw three yellow cards for Godavari FC, while Nongkseh’s Chesterpaul Lyngdoh received one caution.
With the victory, Nongkseh finished Group C at the top of the table with nine points and qualified for the I-League 3 Final Round. The next stage will be contested on a round-robin basis by the four group winners and the two best second-placed teams across the groups.
