Shillong, Apr 8: The Meghalaya Football Association has announced that the opening match of the 5th Meghalaya State League (MSL 5) will be played between Nongkseh SSCC and Khimusniang SC at the SSA Stadium First Ground Polo on April 15.

The Group A opener will kick off under floodlights at 5 PM, with Meghalaya’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla attending as the chief guest.

Nongkseh SSCC head into the match as one of the most exciting teams, following a highly successful 2025 season where they clinched the First Division title and the Champions Cup under the Shillong Sports Association. Backed by strong local support, they are expected to start as favourites.

However, Khimusniang SC will look to make a strong statement in their debut appearance, having recently won the prestigious U Kiang Nangbah Memorial Trophy after emerging champions in the West Jaintia District Sports Association’s Super Division 2025.

Notably, this will be the first MSL appearance for both teams. The Meghalaya State League, the flagship competition of the MFA, has been supported by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, since its inception in 2017.

This year’s edition holds special significance as it forms part of the MFA’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The league was initially scheduled to begin on April 11 but was postponed due to issues with the Centralised Registration System (CRS) managed by the All India Football Federation.

Over its four previous editions, the MSL has significantly raised the standard of football across the state. Interestingly, each season has produced a different champion, including Niaw Wasa United (2017-18), Shillong Lajong FC (2019), Rangdajied United FC (2023), and Mawlai SC (2024-25).

Both Nongkseh and Khimusniang will be eager to build early momentum as they begin their campaign to become the next champions of Meghalaya.