Shillong, December 14: Nongkseh announced their arrival among Meghalaya football’s elite in dramatic fashion after overturning a one-goal deficit to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 2–1 after extra time in the final of the SSA Champions Cup at the SSA Stadium on Saturday.
In front of a packed crowd of nearly 12,000 spectators, Nongkseh produced a stirring comeback to end Lajong’s 16-match unbeaten run and secure one of the most memorable victories in the club’s history.
Shillong Lajong took the lead in the 27th minute through Babysunday Marngar, who capitalised on a defensive error by Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw, whose attempted clearance fell straight to the striker’s feet.
Despite sustained pressure from Nongkseh, Lajong goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang produced a series of outstanding saves to preserve the lead, as the Red Dragons appeared in control for much of the match.
The turning point came in the second half with the introduction of Shano Tariang by Nongkseh coach Richard Nongneng. The midfielder’s assertive presence helped Nongkseh gain control of the midfield and increase their attacking threat.
Just when Lajong looked set for victory, Kynsaibor Lhuid struck a dramatic equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time (90+4′), sending the Nongkseh supporters into raptures and forcing the match into extra time.
Nongkseh continued to press in the additional period and were unlucky not to score earlier, with Khrawkupar Jana missing a close-range opportunity and Wanteilang again denying Hardy Cliff Nongbri with a diving save.
The pressure eventually told when Shillong Lajong were reduced to 10 men, after Samchaphrang Lato received a second yellow card for an off-the-ball incident involving Micky Sonroy Tangsang.
With penalties looming, Nongkseh captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri produced the decisive moment in the 120th minute. Following a move initiated by Kynsaibor and Shano, Hardy beat the Lajong defence and fired a low shot past Wanteilang to seal a famous victory.
The final whistle confirmed Nongkseh’s 15th consecutive unbeaten match in SSA competitions this season, while bringing an end to Lajong’s impressive unbeaten streak.
Having already earned promotion to the Shillong Premier League by winning the First Division 2025, Nongkseh now look well placed to challenge the traditional powerhouses of Meghalaya football in the coming season.
At the prize distribution ceremony, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla attended as the chief guest, with Mylliem MLA Ronnie Lyngdoh as the guest of honour.
Kynsaibor Lhuid was named Hello Meghalaya Player of the Final.
The tournament’s joint top scorers were Riborlang L Lyngkhoi (Shillong Lajong), Pynshailang Lyngkhoi (Meghalaya Police) and Donlad Diengdoh (Langsning), all finishing with six goals each.
As champions, Nongkseh received a trophy and a cash prize of ₹8 lakh, while Shillong Lajong FC were awarded ₹4 lakh as runners-up, making the SSA Champions Cup one of the most financially rewarding football tournaments in the state.
The inaugural Champions Cup was organised by the Shillong Sports Association, with support from the Meghalaya Government, and featured champions and runners-up from all five men’s divisions of 2025. The competition has been widely praised for providing valuable exposure to players from lower divisions and has been hailed as a major success in its first year.
