Shillong, July 29 : In an exhilarating display of skill and strategy, Mawlai SC emerged victorious for the second time running in the Shillong Sports Association’s Women’s League 2023, held today at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo.
The riveting finale showcased the best of Mawlai SC, last year’s champions, as they claimed a solid 3-1 win over Laitkor SC, renewing their rivalry with the same adversary from the inaugural Women’s League.
Goal-scorers Sunalinda Iawren (15′), Charlinda Nongtdu (40′), and Ideibanri Kharpan (50′) led Mawlai to victory, whereas Laitkor had to content themselves with a single goal by Iawanlang Nongbet (36′).
There was a palpable mix of emotions at the final whistle, with Mawlai SC exulting in triumph and Laitkor SC desolate in defeat, having failed to lift the champions’ trophy despite an outstanding season that saw them unbeaten until now.
The victory by Mawlai bears testament to their prowess, particularly given their inconsistent performances leading up to the final, including a narrow escape against PFR Academy where they triumphed in a penalty shootout.
Mawlai reasserted their dominance in today’s game, controlling it right from the start. Marbarin Nongrum showcased her adeptness on the right flank, delivering well-coordinated crosses, one of which was brilliantly shot into the goal by Iawren in the 15th minute.
Opponent Laitkor SC, largely dependent on their star player Nisilia Majaw, had a narrow miss around the half-hour mark. Despite unsuccessful attempts at scoring, the team shifted gears after half time and came out stronger, equalising a minute into the second half courtesy of a goal by Nongbet.
The equaliser tilted the momentum in Laitkor’s favour momentarily, but Mawlai rebounded in the 40th minute with Nongtdu and Kharpan scoring, retaking the lead. Subsequently, Mawlai’s third goal sealed the match in their favour with Kharpan outmanoeuvring a defender to position the ball into the net in the 50th minute.
Heading towards the end, Laitkor seemed to lag due to fatigue, but managed to deny Mawlai a fourth goal thanks to an extraordinary save by their goalkeeper, Banrisha Wahlang.
The conclusion of the match marked the successful wrap-up of the second edition of SSA’s Women’s League. It was a celebration of the significant improvements and rising caliber in women’s football. SSA ensured all matches were refereed by local female officials, offering them invaluable experience for career advancement.
Present at the final was the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Smti Isawanda Laloo IAS, who awarded the winners with a cheque of Rs 30,000 and the championship trophy. Laitkor, the runners-up, received Rs 18,000.
Notable SSA members including Karsing Kurbah, Prosper Warjri, and Freddy Kharpran handed out individual awards to Lumparing SC’s Priyanka Latam (Best Goalkeeper), Laitkor’s Nisilia Majaw (Player of the Tournament), and Mawlai’s Sunalinda Iawren (Player of the Final).
