Shillong, September 28, 2025 – Mylliem Lum were crowned champions of the Shillong Sports Association’s (SSA) Second Division 2025 after edging past Laitkyrhong 4-3 on penalties in a tense final at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, yesterday.
Both clubs had already secured promotion to next season’s First Division by reaching the final, but the title clash still drew loud support from fans, with Rs 1 lakh in prize money on the line for the winners.
Mylliem Lum came into the match with a perfect record, having won all six of their games this season, but were pushed to their limits by an equally unbeaten Laitkyrhong side (who had two draws in the group stage).
The contest proved to be a cagey affair. Mylliem Lum almost struck early when a cross from the left struck the upright but stayed in play, only for defender Arkon Mawlong to clear it out for a corner. Klinstar Marbaniang later tested Laitkyrhong goalkeeper Honestar Khyriem with a speculative long-range attempt before the half-hour mark, but neither side could find the breakthrough.
Laitkyrhong looked the more dangerous side in the second half, but Mylliem Lum’s custodian Baniaineh Kharkrang produced two stunning saves, including a full-stretch dive in the 70th minute, to keep the scoreline 0-0. Extra time also failed to separate the sides, sending the final to penalties.
In the shootout, Laitkyrhong missed their second and fourth attempts, while Mylliem Lum converted their first three. With the score at 3-2, Shaitborlang Kharkrang, the season’s top scorer, had the chance to seal victory but fired his shot over the bar. It was left to hero-of-the-day Baniaineh to step up, and the goalkeeper coolly converted the decisive penalty to secure a 4-3 win and the championship for Mylliem Lum.
Baniaineh’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Final award, while Shaitborlang received the Top Scorer prize for his eight goals this season.
Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling attended as chief guest for the prize distribution ceremony, with senior SSA members also present. Mylliem Lum were handed the winner’s cheque of Rs 1 lakh, while Laitkyrhong received Rs 50,000 as runners-up.
With the Second Division now concluded, attention shifts to the SSA First Division 2025, which kicks off on Monday with Meghalaya Police vs Nongrah at 1:30 PM. This will be followed by the Shillong Premier League 2025 clash between Malki and Nangkiew Irat at 4:30 PM.
