Shillong, Dec 1: Chesterpaul Lyngdoh scored a brilliant hat-trick as Nongkseh demolished Mawlynrei 7–0 in a dominant Group B performance of the SSA Champions Cup 2025 at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Monday evening.
In the earlier fixture of the day, a Group A encounter, Umlyngka edged Mylliem Lum 1–0, with the decisive goal scored by Samborwell Nongbsap in the 67th minute.
Later, Nongkseh displayed complete authority over Mawlynrei, with Chesterpaul leading from the front with goals in the 40th, 45+3 and 58th minutes. Kitboklang Pale added a brace (51’, 53’) while Hardy Cliff Nongbri (63’) and Gerrard Dakerlang Sun (84’) completed the rout.
The results proved pivotal in the tournament standings. Mylliem Lum were eliminated after suffering their second defeat in three matches, while Umlyngka—already out of semifinal contention—earned a consolation win and climbed to third in Group A.
In Group B, Nongkseh strengthened their hold on second place, although their spot in the Top 2 is yet to be secured. Mawlynrei, meanwhile, slipped to fourth, behind Mawkriah West.
Nongkseh’s offensive pressure was relentless from the start, repeatedly stretching Mawlynrei’s defensive line. The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Chesterpaul converted a superb diagonal assist. He doubled the lead with a header in first-half added time.
The second half saw a goal rush, beginning with a stunning left-foot strike by Kitboklang, followed by a composed finish for his second. Chesterpaul completed his hat-trick after beating Mawlynrei goalkeeper Rihoklang Khongjoh in a one-on-one situation, before Hardy Cliff added the sixth. Gerrard rounded off the win, scoring from a rebound after Khrawkupar Jana’s attempt was blocked.
Earlier in the day, Mylliem Lum were the more threatening side in the first half, striking the woodwork twice. Umlyngka gained momentum after the break, with Donboklang Mawjaw grazing the crossbar in the 56th minute. The breakthrough finally arrived through Samborwell, who beat the goalkeeper after receiving a well-timed through ball.
Mylliem Lum pushed for an equaliser, but Umlyngka goalkeeper Babitlang Wahlang produced two crucial saves in the 88th minute to secure his team’s first points.
Tomorrow’s fixtures will see Laitkyrhong face Shillong Lajong in Group B at 1 pm, followed by Langsning versus Meghalaya Police in Group A at 4:30 pm. Laitkyrhong must secure at least a point to stay in contention for the semifinals, while the Langsning-MLP clash promises to be a blockbuster between Group A’s top contenders.
