Shillong, Dec 2: Shillong Lajong FC became the first team to book a spot in the semifinals of the SSA Champions Cup 2025 after securing a 2-0 victory over nine-man Laitkyrhong at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, here today.
Lajong, who now lead Group B with a perfect record of 9 points from three matches, sealed the win with second-half strikes from Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi in the 69th minute and Babysunday Marngar in the 74th minute. Despite dominating possession, it proved to be their narrowest win in the tournament so far, with Laitkyrhong putting up a determined defensive performance.
The first half saw Lajong attempt to break the deadlock through long-range efforts from Samchaphrang Lato, a close-range attempt from Babysunday, and a powerful strike by Rimankhraw Kharumnuid that flew just over the bar. Laitkyrhong goalkeeper Honesstar Khyriem produced a stunning save to deny Lajong top scorer Riborlang Lyngkhoi in the 59th minute, but the pressure eventually told when Iohborlang headed in a precise cross from Rimankhraw.
Shortly after, Laitkyrhong’s best chance came through Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw, whose strike forced SLFC keeper Wanteilang Malngiang into an excellent stop. From the resulting counterattack, Babysunday found space and fired in Lajong’s second.
Laitkyrhong finished the match with nine players after Restom Khriam received a direct red card for dissent and Dibinroy Nongspung was dismissed for a second yellow, both being experienced loan signings for the tournament.
Langsning, Meghalaya Police End Level in Group A Clash
In the day’s other fixture, Langsning and Meghalaya Police (MLP) played to a tense 1-1 draw in Group A. MLP took the lead in the 12th minute through Everestarly Rynjah, who curled a superb free-kick past Langsning goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh after Apborlang Kurbah fouled MLP’s top scorer Pynshailang Lyngkhoi.
The equaliser arrived in the 30th minute when Manbhalang Nongmin capitalised from a corner to bring Langsning level. Before that, Rapborlang Marwein forced Rajat Paul into a brilliant diving save, while Pynshailang struck the crossbar from point-blank range moments before halftime.
Both teams searched for a winner late on, with Dajiedlang Wanshnong coming closest via a clean left-footed shot in the 86th minute, but Nister Suting tipped it over dramatically. MLP, seemingly content with a draw, slowed the tempo in the second half.
MLP and Langsning are now tied on 7 points each with identical goal differences of +4, but MLP remain ahead on goals scored (8 to 5), keeping Group A wide open and leaving the possibility of a three-way contest alive.
Upcoming Fixtures
Group A: Mawkasiang vs Umlyngka — Tomorrow, 1 PM
Group B: Mawlynrei vs Mawkriah West — Tomorrow, 4:30 PM
Both teams in Group B are still searching for their first points of the campaign.
