Shillong, October 10: The Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 concluded on Friday with the final two matches of the season, bringing an end to one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in recent years.
Mawlai, who secured the title on Wednesday, received the championship trophy during the prize distribution ceremony. The victory marked their third SPL title.
Shillong Lajong finished as runners-up after defeating Rangdajied United 3-0 in the opening match of the day. Nongkseh and Langsning later played out a 1-1 draw under the floodlights, with the result confirming their respective positions in the final standings.
In the match between Shillong Lajong and Rangdajied United, the teams were goalless at half-time before Rimankhraw Kharumnuid opened the scoring in the 49th minute. Banlamkupar Rynjah doubled the lead in the 74th minute, while Deibormame Tongper converted a penalty in stoppage time at 90+3 minutes to complete the 3-0 victory.
The later match between Langsning and Nongkseh produced an intense contest, with both teams receiving strong support from the stands.
Langsning took the lead in the 11th minute when Samuel Phawa converted a cross from Syed Ahmed, which went under Nongkseh defender Mebankhraw Wahlang. Nongkseh equalised in first-half stoppage time when Wallambok Dkhar inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross.
With the league concluded, Mawlai and Shillong Lajong will advance directly to the semifinals of the SSA Super Cup. Nongkseh and Langsning will compete in the playoffs next week alongside fifth-placed Meghalaya Police and sixth-placed Sawmer for places in the semifinals.
Mawlai and Shillong Lajong will also participate in the SSA Champions Cup, scheduled to begin in November.
As champions, Mawlai received prize money of ₹6 lakh, while runners-up Shillong Lajong took home ₹3 lakh.
The closing ceremony was attended by Shillong Sports Association (SSA) president and MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh, senior association officials, Meghalaya Football Association president Hamletson Dohling and Meghalaya men’s senior team coach Stanley Rozario.
The SSA acknowledged the financial support of the Meghalaya Government, which has enabled the association to offer substantial prize money in the state’s district-level football competitions.
The SPL 2026 season witnessed heightened competition, with the promotion of Nongkseh and Meghalaya Police adding depth to the title race. Several teams remained in contention until the closing stages, setting the stage for further competition in the upcoming SSA Super Cup and Champions Cup.
