Shillong, November 4: Mawpat SC staged an impressive second-half comeback to defeat Nongkrem 2-1 in the Group A encounter of the SSA Champions Cup 2026 at the SSA Stadium on Wednesday, securing all three points.
Sawadame Tang put Nongkrem ahead in the 21st minute, but Mawpat responded after the break through Thompson Lyngdoh (46’) and Sparkle Khongshei (68’) to turn the match around.
Despite being Second Division champions, Mawpat entered the contest as favourites after assembling a strong squad for the 2026 season, further strengthened by five loan signings for the Champions Cup. The tournament allows Second, Third and Fourth Division teams to bring in five players on loan, while Shillong Premier League and First Division clubs must rely on their registered players.
However, it was Nongkrem, the First Division runners-up, who made the early breakthrough. Sustained pressure inside the Mawpat penalty area resulted in Sawadame finding the net from close range.
Mawpat nearly responded immediately when Thompson Lyngdoh received a long ball but sent a weak effort towards Nongkrem goalkeeper Jovialstar Lyngkhoi. Mawpat created further opportunities through corners and attacking moves, but Nongkrem’s defence held firm. Donboklang Kharjana also came close to doubling Nongkrem’s advantage in stoppage time, striking the crossbar.
Mawpat came out with renewed intensity after the interval, with Thompson scoring within 30 seconds of the restart. Receiving the ball on the right flank, he unleashed a shot from a tight angle to bring his team level.
Mawpat continued to press for the winner, with Reform Pale and Thompson missing opportunities around the hour mark. A few minutes later, Balamlynti Khongjee delivered a dangerous ball into the box, but two Mawpat players failed to connect with it.
The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute when Sparkle Khongshei carried the ball from just inside Nongkrem’s half before calmly beating Jovialstar to find the back of the net. Nongkrem’s defenders appeared to expect the referee to stop play following an appeal for a foul, but the match continued, leaving Mawpat with an opportunity to score.
Mawpat had further chances to extend their lead through Donboklang Lyngdoh, who won two fouls in the closing stages. However, his free-kick went wide before Jovialstar produced an excellent save, diving to his right to punch away Donboklang’s penalty.
The SSA Champions Cup will resume on November 7 with a double-header in Group B. Shillong Lajong FC, the Shillong Premier League runners-up, will take on Third Division champions Sanmer SC at 12:30 pm.
The second match, scheduled for 3:45 pm, will see First Division champions Mawkhar SC face Second Division runners-up Sohryngkham.
