U19 I-League:Royal Wahingdoh triumph 5-0 amidst major on-field scuffle

 I-League debutant Jerry Zonunsanga produced a double strike along with Sushil Meitei to guide Royal Wahingdoh to an emphatic 5-0 win against Rangdajied United in their U-19 I-League 2014 tie at the JN Complex, Polo Grounds on Tuesday despite the occurrence of some ugly moments in the latter half. 

Wahingdoh’s Eijingmut Lyngdoh was physically assaulted by Rangdajied’s Mebanshan Suting and Banshan Nongdhar that saw both players being sent off the field in the 79^th minute, reducing Rangdajied’s number to just eight on the field.

As a result of the incident, Lyngdoh was taken away by the medical staff to receive treatment for his injuries. Royal Wahingdoh’s Sonam Sherpa was also shown a red card for his alleged involvement in the scuffle which, however, appeared to be questionable.

Earlier in the 51^st minute, Rangdajied’s goalkeeper Melverick Nongkhlaw received a red after being found guilty of a direct foul. Meanwhile, debutant Jerry Zonunsanga calmly sent a shot into goal in the 18^th minute for Wahingdoh’s lead. The real onslaught began after Sushil Meitei’s 61^st minute goal that saw the junior Royals score four goals in the second half. The 73^rd minute saw Jerry make a calculated pass to Loken Meitei, who only needed to tap the ball past keeper Melverick.

The on-field violence took place sometime in the 77^th minute when Sushil Meitei was brought down by a Rangdajied player. This led to Eijingmut intercepting, before he was attacked by a number of Rangdajied players that led to Mebanshan and Banshan being sent off.

Sushil then went on to score his second goal of the match in the 89^th minute, before Jerry finished it off with an injury time goal. Royal Wahingdoh finally ended their maiden U-19 I-League tourney at second place, below Shillong Lajong, with 12 points from six matches. 

Credit:Royal wahingdo