Shillong, Nov 24: Langsning FC were made to work hard but eventually secured a 2-0 win over a determined Umlyngka side on the opening day of the SSA Champions Cup 2025 at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
The tournament opened earlier in the afternoon with a 1-1 draw between Mawkasiang and Mylliem Lum in the first Group A fixture.
Langsning, champions of the Shillong Premier League, expected a smoother start against Umlyngka, the Third Division runners-up, but found themselves thwarted repeatedly by goalkeeper Babitlang Wahlang, who delivered an impressive first-half performance. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Langsning were unable to break the deadlock until late in the second half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute when Wanshwadame Diengdoh fired in a left-footed shot from the edge of the box after the ball was deflected into his path. Six minutes later, Donlad Diengdoh doubled the lead, capitalising on a loose ball after a dipping corner from Dajiedlang Wanshnong unsettled Babitlang, who was unable to gather it cleanly.
Umlyngka pushed forward more confidently in the second half, but their attacking efforts failed to generate enough shots on target to trouble Langsning custodian Rajat Paul Lyngdoh. A late scare nearly cost Langsning their clean sheet when Rajat Paul’s attempted clearance rebounded off an Umlyngka player and almost rolled into the net.
Earlier, Mawkasiang, the Fourth Division champions, began energetically with five loan players from Mawlai strengthening their squad. One of them, Fairming Suting, produced a precise cross from the left for Edmon Marngar to tap in the opener in the 23rd minute. Mylliem Lum, winners of the Second Division, responded strongly and earned four corners inside the first 15 minutes. Their equaliser came in the 30th minute when Eliastar Nongsiej powered in a header from yet another corner.
The opening-day performances highlighted the high level of competitiveness among teams from every tier, promising an exciting and closely fought tournament ahead. The SSA Champions Cup features 10 teams — winners and runners-up from all five men’s divisions — divided into two groups of five, with each team playing once before the top two from each group progress to the semifinals.
Group B action begins on Tuesday with First Division champions Nongkseh facing Second Division runners-up Laitkyrhong at 1 pm, followed by a 4:30 pm clash between Shillong Lajong, runners-up of the SPL, and Mawkriah West, winners of the Third Division.
