Shillong, Dec 5: Mawlynrei picked up a 2-0 victory against Laitkyrhong in the SSA Champions Cup 2025 today, ensuring that they ended their campaign on a winning note in Group B.
A goal on either side of half time was provided by Alem Khongwir (33′) and Kerryland Mawlong (83′) at the SSA Stadium here. With the top two teams from Group B already decided – Shillong Lajong and Nongkseh – this match was played for pride and third place.
With today’s result three teams are on 3 points – Laitkyrhong, Mawkriah West and Mawlynrei. Laitkyrhong had earlier won 5-2 against Mawkriah West, who, in turn, had beaten Mawlynrei 4-3. Therefore, head-to-head cannot prise these three teams apart and goal difference comes into play. By this measure Laitkyrhong (-2) claim third place, Mawkriah West (-8) are fourth and Mawlynrei (-14) fifth. This order could change tomorrow, though, as Mawkriah are set to face Nongkseh.
Today’s first goal was scored when Oresterwell Langshiang laid the ball on for Alem and the latter raced up almost from the halfway line all the way into the box before sliding the ball past Laitkyrhong goalkeeper Lamkupar Dkhar.
The second half was largely dominated by Laitkyrhong, who are heading to the First Division next year and who did not want to lose face to Mawlynrei, a club that has secured promotion to next season’s Third Division. There were several chances for Learninstar Warlarpih and Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw but the finishing was not there today.
Then, in a late counterattacking move, Alem made another run and pulled off a shot but it was blocked successfully by Lamkupar. However, the rebound fell to Kerryland, who seized his chance to score.
Looking to Saturday, the Nongkseh-Mawkriah West match will kick off at 1pm. Nongkseh could mathematically take first place away from Lajong but only if they win by a nine-goal margin. Winning tomorrow would level the two top teams on 10 points each but Lajong currently have the better goal difference (+16 to +8). A win or a draw for Mawkriah would lift them to third place in the standings.
However, the game that everyone will be waiting for will take place at 4:30pm between Langsning and Mawkasiang in Group A. Langsning, the Shillong Premier League champions, need a point to qualify for the semis, while Mawkasiang (Fourth Division winners) require a victory to move to the knockouts, which would be the upset of the season. The plucky lower division side have absolutely nothing to lose, while the pressure will definitely be on Langsning not to choke – all in all it should be an unmissable contest.
