Shillong, Dec 14: It promised much and the final of the SSA Champions Cup here on Saturday certainly delivered as Nongkseh overturned a one goal deficit to beat Shillong Lajong 2-1 in a game that will be remembered for a long time, perhaps as the moment that Nongkseh truly announced themselves as a team capable of challenging – and beating – the very best in Meghalaya.
The spectators at the SSA Stadium lapped up the drama of an extra time victory. At least 12,000 fans packed themselves into every available space and supported their favourite teams to the hilt.
Babysunday Marngar (27′) scored first for Lajong, courtesy a mistake from Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw, whose attempt at a clearance sent the ball straight to Baby’s feet. Although Nongkseh strove for an equaliser, it looked like they were to be denied, only for Kynsaibor Lhuid (90’+4) to pluck a goal out of nowhere. That necessitated extra time and here again the goal came right at the very end, with Hardy Cliff Nongbri (120′) producing the winner.
Lajong seemed to be able to read Nongkseh like a book in the first half – their level of anticipation was unmatched and they could predict almost every move by their opponents.
What changed things was the introduction of Shano Tariang in the second half by Nongkseh coach Richard Nongneng. Shano was not seen for several games before – probably due for fitness reasons – but his team needed him yesterday and his assertive presence enabled Nongkseh to control the midfield and led to more attempts being made on goal. It was only the brilliance of Wanteilang Malngiang that kept Lajong’s nose out in front, with the goalkeeper producing at least three top notch saves to keep Nongkseh at bay.
In the middle of eight minutes of stoppage time Kynsaibor equalised. He has a way of producing goals at crucial moments and his strike yesterday, scored in front of the stand that was reserved for Nongkseh’s fans, took the game to extra time. Here Nongkseh could have taken the lead through Khrawkupar Jana but he hooked the ball into the gallery from close. Hardy was also denied by a diving Wanteilang. Lajong were feeling the pressure, though, and for Samchaphrang Lato it proved too much; he lashed out at Micky Sonroy Tangsang after the latter went to ground and the Lajong player was sent off with a second yellow card.
The remaining four minutes were played by SLFC with a man short. It was almost time for a tiebreaker when Kynsaibor passed the ball to Shano, who either made an attempt on goal or sent a sharp pass on to Hardy. The Nongkseh captain then took the ball away from the Lajong defenders and scored off balance, sending the ball low across the surface and out of reach of Wanteilang.
With the final whistle, Lajong’s 16-match unbeaten streak came to an end, while Nongkseh have taken theirs to 15 in SSA competitions this season.
If the club hold on to top talent, they should be a formidable force next year in the Shillong Premier League (for which they have gained promotion by winning the First Division 2025) and their unbeaten run could continue for some time to come. The reign of the Big Three – Lajong, Langsning (who Nongkseh beat in the semifinals) and Mawlai – could very well be over.
At the prize distribution ceremony, where Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla was the chief guest and Mylliem MLA Ronnie Lyngdoh the guest of honour, Kynsaibor was named the Hello Meghalaya Player of the Final. There were three joint Top Scorers -Lajong’s Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, Meghalaya Police’s Pynshailang Lyngkhoi and Langsning’s Donlad Diengdoh; all three scored six goals each.
As champions, Nongkseh received a gorgeous trophy and cheque of Rs 8 lakh, while SLFC took home Rs 4 lakh as runners-up. This makes the Champions Cup one of the most financially rewarding football tournaments in the whole state.
The new tournament was organised by the Shillong Sports Association with support of the Meghalaya government, bringing together the champions and runners-up from its five men’s divisions of 2025. Teams from the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions were each permitted to take five players on loan to bolster their squads against the firepower of the Shillong Premier League and First Division teams and this gave the players in the lower divisions ample scope to gain match experience playing among and against some of the best footballers in the state. It also gave those viewing the action plenty to talk about. Although it has just been one year, the Champions Cup looks to have been a major success.
