Shillong, Sep 16: In a dramatic turn of events at the Shillong Sports Association’s Third Division 2024, Lawmali SC delivered an unexpected victory over Umpling SC with a 3-1 win at First Ground, Polo, on Monday. This surprising result has left Group C in a three-way tie, with each team now holding 9 points.

In another match of the day from Group A, Mawryngkneng SC triumphed over Lapalang SC with a decisive 5-2 scoreline, thanks to a remarkable hat-trick by Banker Mynsong.

Umpling SC had been the dominant force in Group C with three consecutive wins and needed only a draw to secure the top spot. However, Lawmali SC had other plans. Richmond Buam opened the scoring early in the 4th minute, followed by Dameshwa Malngiang’s goal in the 41st minute, and Arki Paia Tariang sealed the victory with a late goal in the 90th minute. Umpling SC’s only response came from Busel Lyngshiang in the 23rd minute.

The competition rules dictate that the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. With three teams—Umpling SC, Lawmali SC, and Mawkriah West SC—tied on 9 points each, head-to-head results are the first tiebreaker but are ineffective here as each team has one win and one loss against the others. The next criterion, goal difference, also leaves them tied with +5 each. Thus, goals scored (GF) becomes the deciding factor. Umpling leads with 11 goals, likely securing their first-place position.

However, both Mawkriah West and Lawmali have scored 9 goals each, creating ambiguity in the rules. If head-to-head results are reconsidered, Mawkriah West would edge out Lawmali due to their previous win. Alternatively, drawing lots might be employed to resolve this deadlock. Clarification from the SSA is expected soon.

Group A’s standings were unaffected by such complications. Mawryngkneng SC maintained their leading position after defeating the bottom-placed Lapalang SC. Banker’s hat-trick, his first goals of the season, came in the 27th, 36th, and 65th minutes. Additional goals from Wanbha War (54′) and Baehbok Sari (67′) bolstered their victory.

Lapalang SC initially took the lead with Sonjalen Haokip’s goal in the 18th minute, but Mawryngkneng’s relentless offense turned the tide. Alex Kharkrang also added a goal for Lapalang in the 59th minute.

Tuesday’s fixtures will feature:
– Third Division – Group D: Lamlynti FC vs Sanmer SC at 12:30 PM at First Ground.
– Third Division – Group A: Kharang SC vs Pomlakrai SC at 3:30 PM at First Ground.