Shillong, June 5: Nongkseh SSCC capped off a sensational debut campaign in the Meghalaya State League (MSL) by defeating Langsning FC 2-1 in a thrilling final at the SSA Stadium on Thursday evening, securing their first-ever state league title in front of a sold-out crowd.
Trailing by a goal at halftime following an own goal by Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw in first-half stoppage time, Nongkseh mounted a spirited comeback in the second half to claim the championship. Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri restored parity in the 61st minute before substitute Shano Tariang netted the winner seven minutes later to seal a memorable victory.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma presented the championship trophy and a cash prize of Rs 8 lakh to Nongkseh, while runners-up Langsning FC received Rs 5 lakh. The awards ceremony was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and other dignitaries. The prize money marked the highest reward purse in the history of the Meghalaya State League.
The final brought a fitting conclusion to the fifth edition of the tournament, organised by the Meghalaya Football Association with the support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Langsning took the lead just before the break when a dangerous attacking move resulted in an unfortunate own goal by Nongkhlaw. However, Nongkseh responded strongly after the restart. Shano Tariang’s introduction at halftime injected fresh energy into the side, and the equaliser arrived when Sheen Sohktung delivered a precise chipped ball for Hardy Cliff Nongbri to head home.
Nongkseh completed the turnaround in the 68th minute through Tariang, who finished a swift counterattack after being set up by Kitboklang Pale. Despite sustained pressure from Langsning in the closing stages, Nongkseh’s defence held firm to secure the title.
The final drew a capacity crowd, reflecting the growing popularity of the Meghalaya State League and local football across the state. Tickets were sold out hours before kickoff, underscoring the enthusiasm generated by the competition.
This year’s tournament was the biggest in MSL history, featuring 33 teams, eight venues and 139 matches. The league also met all requirements set by the All India Football Federation, including the implementation of the Competition Management System and Centralised Registration System, making the champions eligible for participation in I-League 3.
Individual honours were also presented during the closing ceremony. Kitboklang Pale of Nongkseh SSCC was named Player of the Final, while teammate Guidle Syiemlieh received the Best Goalkeeper award. Langsning FC’s Nelson Rymbai finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 23 goals, and Hardy Cliff Nongbri was adjudged Player of the Tournament.
The successful completion of the tournament, held during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Meghalaya Football Association, highlighted the continued growth of football in the state and reinforced Meghalaya’s reputation as one of the country’s strongest footballing regions.
