Shillong, Nov 13: Shillong Lajong maintained their dominance over rivals Rangdajied United by winning the final of the inaugural SSA Super Cup 2025 3-1 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
It was far from an easy contest as the local giants thrilled the thousands of spectators who packed into the stadium with a highly competitive match. To win, SLFC had to overturn a one goal deficit when Denelson Pyngrope (25′) gave Rangdajied the lead.
A penalty conversion by Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi (45’+2) just before the break and two goals in the second half from Player of the Final Wilbert Marbaniang (55′, 72′) sealed the result in Lajong’s favour.
As champions, Lajong were awarded Rs 2 lakh while Rangdajied received Rs 1 lakh.
Meanwhile, the prize distribution ceremony that followed the final was also utilised to honour Langsning, who won the Shillong Premier League 2025 title last month. They were awarded Rs 6 lakh as champions, with Lajong, who were the runners-up, taking home Rs 3 lakh. An individual award was also presented to Loving Suting of Mawlai as the Top Scorer with seven goals.
The SSA was also honoured to have the Chief Minister present to officially unveil the trophy of the new SSA Champions Cup, the exciting league-cum-knockout tournament that will feature the top two teams from each of the SSA’s five men’s divisions. The tournament will start in the last week of November at the conclusion of the First Division.
Rangdajijed earned a string of early corners and were finally able to convert off the fourth of these, with Denelson scoring at the far post.
There were a few chances for either side after that but none bore fruit and it looked like Rangdajied would go into the break leading by a solitary goal. However, they were guilty of far too many fouls, some of which were in dangerous positions. None was more consequential than when a defender knocked over a Lajong player in the box just after RUFC goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer pulled off a tremendous save to deny a power bicycle kick by Deibormame Tongper. Iohborlang stepped up for the spot kick and converted it.
Carrying some momentum, Lajong dominated the second half. They pulled out a lead after a small error by a defender allowed Wilbert to smash the ball into the back of the net. He was then able to get his head to a corner in the 72nd minute to extend Lajong’s lead and there really was no way back for Rangdajied after that, though the sizeable number of fans cheering them on tried to keep their spirits up all the way to the final whistle.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, Adviser to the Chief Minister Paul Lyngdoh MLA and SSA President Banteidor Lyngdoh MLA were among the dignitaries present.
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs has been supporting the SSA financially to conduct its many football leagues. The Sports and Youth Affairs Minister today announced a further Rs 10 lakh in support for the association.
