Shillong, Nov 23: The much-awaited SSA Champions Cup 2025 is set to begin on Monday, featuring a thrilling double-header in Group A at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo.
An initiative of the Shillong Sports Association, the new tournament will see champions from the association’s five men’s football divisions compete in a high-intensity, fast-paced format. Ten qualified teams have been split into two groups of five, with each team playing one match against every other team in its group. The top two sides from each pool will move on to the semifinals.
The opening match on Monday will feature Fourth Division champions Mawkasiang taking on Second Division winners Mylliem Lum at 1 PM. Later at 4:30 PM, Shillong Premier League champions Langsning will face Umlyngka, the runners-up of the Third Division.
Nongkseh Crowned First Division Champions
The final two slots in the Champions Cup were confirmed on Saturday with the conclusion of the First Division. While both Nongkseh and Meghalaya Police (MLP) had already secured their top-two finishes, it was Nongkseh who lifted the trophy after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the police.
The lone goal came early, in the seventh minute, when captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri intercepted a pass and combined with Shano Tariang, who delivered a neat back-heel return. With ample space ahead, Hardy fired home past MLP goalkeeper Nister Roy Suting.
Despite their attacking prowess—having scored 26 goals in the league—MLP failed to break through Nongkseh’s defence and suffered their first defeat of the season. MLP required a win to claim the title, while Nongkseh needed only a draw. In the end, Nongkseh completed a flawless campaign with nine wins from nine matches.
Awards and Promotion
At the prize distribution ceremony, Pynshailang Lyngkhoi of MLP was honoured as the tournament’s Top Scorer with nine goals. MLP received Rs 1 lakh as runners-up, while champions Nongkseh were awarded Rs 2 lakh.
Both teams earned promotion to next year’s Shillong Premier League—marking a return for Meghalaya Police after their 2018 relegation and the first-ever top-flight appearance for Nongkseh.
As First Division winners, Nongkseh will join Group B of the SSA Champions Cup, while MLP have been placed in Group A.
