Shillong, May 28: Nongkseh SSCC and Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC will vie for a place in the final of the 5th Meghalaya State League when they meet in the first semifinal tomorrow. Kick-off at the SSA Stadium will be at 6pm.
Nongkseh qualified at the top of Group A in the quarterfinal league stage, while Shkenshynriah were runners-up in Group B.
Shkenshynriah have been here before, having reached this stage in MSL 4 as well where they went down in a penalty shootout against Shillong Lajong FC. Many of the same players in that squad are here again, such as Skilful Tariang, Hesmiki Rymbai, Niwan-o Bareh and Jeremy Nongtdu, and they have shown themselves capable of competing with the very best in the state.
Shkenshynriah are also the only one of the four semifinalists not based in Shillong and their success has been part of the vision and the appeal of the MSL, which is an initiative of the Meghalaya Football Association and supported by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The East Jaintia Hills club came through as the top team from Group D in the preliminaries and they then defeated Amlarem SC in the Round of 16. The quarterfinal league stage saw them lose twice to the formidable Langsning FC but they gave a good account of themselves and four victories over Nangkiew Irat SC and Maram FC saw them sail into the semis.
Facing Langsning should have given Shkenshynriah useful experience. Nongkseh play a similar game to Langsning but will still be a different challenge altogether.
Nongkseh have never been in the MSL before but many of their players have, not to mention higher competitions like the Indian Football League. The club assembled a dream team in 2025 and have never been bested since. Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Shano Tariang, Sheen Sohktung and Chesterpaul Lyngdoh are some of those players who have been key to Nongkseh’s success and the depth of talent runs very deep in the club.
Nongkseh are the only unbeaten team in the league, though they have been held to three draws. They have also had tremendous backing from their passionate fans and that support will count for plenty as they seek to reach the final.
Although Nongkseh will certainly start as favourites, the MSL has delivered plenty of upsets in the past. Shkenshynriah will aim to be the latest underdogs to spring a surprise and Nongkseh will have to ensure that they are on the top of their game if they do not want their fantastic MSL campaign to come to a shuddering halt.
Tickets will be available at the venue ranging in price from Rs 100 to Rs 300. The organisers have requested fans not to carry water bottles, dangerous materials, weapons, illegal substances, or any unlawful items into the stadium premises. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic substances inside the venue are strictly prohibited.
