Shillong, Oct 24: Nongkseh Sports Social & Cultural Club continued their impressive I-League 3 campaign with a 4-0 win over Chhaygaon FC at the SSA Football Stadium in Shillong on Saturday evening, claiming all three points.
Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (35’) gave Nongkseh the lead before captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri doubled it in the 57th minute and converted a penalty in the 89th. Owanijuh Pajuh completed the scoring with a stunning strike in the 90+3 minute.
Nongkseh could have extended their lead to 5-0 had Owanijuh Pajuh’s 75th-minute header not been ruled offside.
The Group C encounter match began at a high tempo, with both teams engaging in physical challenges from the opening minutes. Chhaygaon FC looked to create opportunities in the early stages, while Nongkseh gradually built attacking moves through their forwards and midfielders.
Nongkseh registered their first shot on target in the 12th minute when Lyngdoh attempted an effort from the left flank, but Chhaygaon goalkeeper Kaji Md Nadish gathered the ball safely. Chhaygaon responded with a long-range attempt towards the Nongkseh goal. Goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang stopped the shot but initially fumbled the ball before collecting it cleanly ahead of the approaching Chhaygaon attacker.
Both sides continued to contest possession in a physical first half. Nongkseh earned several corners and created opportunities, but the Chhaygaon defence remained organised and restricted their opponents from finding an early breakthrough.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute following a defensive mix-up between Nadish and defender Aryan Nakra. After receiving a pass from the goalkeeper, Nakra attempted to casually return the ball. Lyngdoh made a quick run to intercept the pass, moved past the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the net to give Nongkseh the lead.
In the 43rd minute, Pajuh also received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Nongkseh maintained their 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Nongkseh resumed the second half with the same starting line-up and continued to push forward. Their second goal came in the 57th minute following a strong run by Ieitlang Syiemlieh. Carrying the ball forward from around the halfway line, Syiemlieh delivered a pass across the penalty area to Nongbri, who finished with a low header towards the left of Nadish to make it 2-0.
Nongkseh continued to create chances, with Lyngdoh, Syiemlieh and Pajuh involved in several attacking moves. Chhaygaon also attempted to find openings, but Nongkseh maintained pressure in the attacking half and tested the opposition defence on multiple occasions.
Nongkseh were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute after Aibiang Mame Nongneng was tackled inside the penalty area by Chhaygaon’s Sri Annajit Rabha. Captain Nongbri stepped up and converted the spot-kick to extend Nongkseh’s lead to 3-0.
The final goal came in the third minute of added time when Pajuh struck from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball into the top-left corner with a powerful finish to complete the 4-0 scoreline.
The action continues on Monday, with Lakecity FC taking on Chhaygaon FC at 9 AM, followed by Godavari FC facing Kuppuraj FC at 5 PM. Both matches will be played at the SSA Football Stadium.
Nongkseh will return to action on October 28, when they face Lakecity FC at 5 PM at the same venue.
