SHILLONG, DEC 4: Shillong Lajong and Nongkseh battled to a high-intensity 1-1 draw in front of thousands of fans at the SSA Stadium on Wednesday evening, in a Group B clash of the SSA Champions Cup that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The fixture was billed as a showdown between Shillong’s most successful club in recent years, Lajong, and the rising challengers, Nongkseh, who had been unbeaten in their last 11 matches across the First Division and the Champions Cup. The result ended Nongkseh’s winning streak, but the draw was sufficient to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Kynsaibor Lhuid opened the scoring in the 67th minute for Nongkseh, before Deibormame Tongper equalised nine minutes later to keep Lajong’s unbeaten run intact.
Lajong had already qualified for the knockouts prior to today’s match, and the result extends their remarkable run to 15 matches without defeat across the Shillong Premier League, SSA Super Cup and Champions Cup. Remarkably, today was also the first time either team conceded a goal in this tournament.
In the afternoon match, Meghalaya Police registered a dominant 3-0 victory over Mylliem Lum, tightening their grip on first place in Group A. Chesterfield Nongdhar scored twice (3’, 54’) and Balmingstar Lyngkhoi added another goal (36’) as MLP secured their third win and moved to 10 points. They too had already booked a semifinal berth.
Nongkseh controlled much of the first half but were repeatedly denied by Lajong goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang, who pulled off key saves—including a full-stretch effort to block Kitboklang Pale.
Lajong slowed the pace in the second half, seeming content with a draw, but Nongkseh struck first through Kynsaibor, who stretched to tap the ball past an off-balance Wanteilang.
However, Lajong roared back. In the 76th minute, Nongkseh hoped for an offside call against Deibormame, but the assistant referee’s flag stayed down. Nongkseh keeper Daraphun Talang rushed forward but failed to clear cleanly, leaving Deibor to slot the ball into an open net.
The final minutes saw Lajong come close to sealing the win, most notably when Deibor clipped the upright in the 84th minute, but ultimately the sides remained level and shared the points.
With both clubs now semifinal-bound, many believe this could be a preview of the final—though Group A contenders remain strong threats. Nongkseh’s promotion to next season’s SPL and their rapidly developing rivalry with Lajong promises exciting times ahead for local football fans.
Meanwhile, Mawlynrei will take on Laitkyrhong on Thursday at 2:30 PM in Group B. After today’s result, Laitkyrhong are out of semifinal contention, and the match will decide third place in the group.
