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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 25 (EMN): Meghalaya thrashed Assam while Sikkim defeated Mizoram in the last two-league matches to clinch a semi-final spot in the ongoing North East Dr. T Ao Trophy at IG Stadium in Kohima on Saturday.
In the first match of the day, Samuel JL Kynshi and Dawanchwa Carlos Challam of Meghalaya scored a hat-trick each against Assam.
Midfielder Kynshi of Meghalaya was in blistering form and was largely responsible for Meghalaya being in the front foot. He opened the floodgates in the 19th minute from the spot kick following a tackle on Shano Tariang by Assamese defender Biswanath Karmakar inside the box.
Striker Shano Tariang then doubled the tally for Meghalaya in the 25th minute while Carlos Challam netted the third goal in the added time of the first half to make it 3–0.
In the second half, Kynshi scored the fourth goal (58th minute) and Challam scored his second in the 62nd minute. Challam and Kynshi completed their hat-trick in the 64th and 71st minutes respectively.
Stephan Pala scored the eight goal of the match in the 82nd minute for Meghalaya to finish third in Group B with 4 points on the table.
The consolation goal for Assam came with a header from defender Tupu Brahma through a corner in the 74th minute.
Playing the last league match, Sikkim took on the two time champions Mizoram.
In a tightly contested game, Sikkim took the lead with forward Sonam Tshering Bhutia converting a goal in the 18th minute after Dawa Sherpa headed him a brilliant pass from inside the box.
In a rather unconventional way, defender Sherpa scored the second goal of the match for Sikkim in the 21st minute when his long-range pass inadvertently found the net.
However, PC Lalrinpuia's goal for Mizoram in the added time of the first half brought Mizoram right into the game.
Mizoram tried to stage a comeback by dominating the second half, but failed to breakdown a solid Sikkim defense.
At the end of the final whistle, the scoreboard stood 2-1 in favour of Sikkim who took their tally to 7 points to lead Group B and the fourth team to book the last spot for the semi-finals.
Mizoram, though lost the match, stood second in Group B with 6 points. They had won their last two matches and therefore qualified for the semi-final round.
Mizoram will now play against host Nagaland on January 27 at 2 pm while Sikkim will play against Arunachal Pradesh in the second semi-final match on the same day at 4:30 pm.
The department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) and the organising committee officials of the tournament will play an exhibition match at 4:30 pm today, on Sunday.