Shillong, May 10: After an intense group stage campaign, the 16 teams that qualified for the knockout phase of the 5th Meghalaya State League (MSL 5) are set for a stern new challenge as the Round of 16 fixtures take place across seven venues in the state on Monday.
Among the most anticipated clashes is the opening encounter between Group B winners Nangkiew Irat SC and Group A runners-up Khimusniang SC at the SSA Stadium in Shillong at 1pm.
Shillong-based Nangkiew Irat enjoyed a relatively smooth route to the top of their group, but Khimusniang arrive as one of the tournament’s most exciting sides. Fresh from winning the West Jaintia District Sports Association Super Division 2025 title, the Jowai club pushed title contenders Nongkseh SSCC hard during the group stage and will be eager to pull off another major result.
Later in the evening at the same venue, Nongkseh SSCC will face Mawphu SC at 5:30pm. Mawphu possess several talented players, but Nongkseh remain one of the strongest favourites for the title.
Defending champions Mawlai SC will take on Thangskai Tiger SC in Amlarem. Mawlai topped Group C despite missing several key players during parts of the group stage due to their involvement in the I-League 3. With the squad now back together, they will be aiming to continue their title defence strongly against an in-form Thangskai side.
Group D winners Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC, unbeaten so far with five wins and one draw, will meet Amlarem SC in Khliehriat. The former MSL semifinalists will hope to go even further this season.
Former champions Shillong Lajong FC, who won the league in 2019 and finished runners-up in the previous edition, will face Mishon SSCC at Wahiajer Sports Complex. Lajong have been dominant so far, winning all six of their group matches convincingly.
Meanwhile, Group F winners Langsning FC — one of Meghalaya’s most historic clubs yet to win the MSL title — will battle Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC in Mairang.
Two fixtures remain especially difficult to predict. In Williamnagar, Group G winners Janepih YSCA will face 2023 champions Rangdajied United FC, who endured a difficult group stage campaign but remain dangerous opponents in knockout football.
In Mawkyrwat, Group H winners Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun will take on Maram FC. Maram are now the lone surviving side from Garo Hills and will be determined to extend their impressive run in the tournament.
Round of 16 Fixtures
Shillong (SSA Stadium): Nangkiew Irat SC vs Khimusniang SC — 1pm
Shillong (SSA Stadium): Nongkseh SSCC vs Mawphu SC — 5:30pm
Amlarem (Ladjaplem): Mawlai SC vs Thangskai Tiger SC — 2pm
Wahiajer (Wahiajer Sports Complex): Shillong Lajong FC vs Mishon SSCC — 2pm
Williamnagar (WDSA Ground): Janepih YSCA vs Rangdajied United FC — 2pm
Khliehriat (Deinchynrum): Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC vs Amlarem SC — 2pm
Mairang (Dommawlum): Langsning FC vs Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC — 2pm
Mawkyrwat (MDSA Ground): Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun vs Maram FC — 2pm
