SHILLONG, DEC 12: Shillong is gearing up for a high-voltage football showdown as Nongkseh and Shillong Lajong prepare to battle for the inaugural SSA Champions Cup 2025 title on Saturday. With both teams entering the final unbeaten in all Shillong Sports Association tournaments this year, the clash at the SSA Stadium at 4:30pm promises to be one of the most anticipated matches in recent memory.
The two powerhouses previously met in the group stage on December 4, drawing 1-1 in a thrilling contest that packed the SSA Stadium and ignited a new football rivalry. Fans expect an even more electrifying encounter as both sides chase history.
Shillong Lajong: Experience, Depth and a 16-Match Unbeaten Run
Lajong, playing in the Shillong Premier League (SPL), delivered a commendable season despite narrowly missing out on the SPL title to Langsning. They remained unbeaten in the league’s nine matches, winning five and drawing four, and later lifted the inaugural SSA Super Cup.
In the Champions Cup, Lajong topped Group B with three wins and a draw before defeating Meghalaya Police 2-0 in the semifinal. With a total of 16 matches without defeat since August, the team enters the final with strong momentum.
Lajong’s firepower includes Babysunday Marngar, Deibormame Tongper, and the set-piece expertise of Iohborlang L. Lyngkhoi. Their midfield, led by Samchaphrang Lato, and a solid defence anchored by Wilbert Marbaniang, along with standout goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang, make them formidable contenders.
Nongkseh: The Rising Force With Remarkable Consistency
Nongkseh have been the revelation of the season. Dominating the First Division, they won all nine matches on their way to the title and secured promotion to next year’s SPL, conceding just two goals.
Their Champions Cup campaign has been equally impressive, with three wins and a draw in the group stage. Their semifinal against Langsning was a showcase of grit and determination — trailing 0-2 within 20 minutes, Nongkseh fought back to equalise by the 30th minute before prevailing 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Nongkseh boast a strong lineup featuring Chesterpaul Lyngdoh, Kynsaibor Lhuid, Kitboklang Pale, and Hardy Cliff Nongbri. Their defensive line, led by Mebankhraw Wahlang and Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw, has been reliable throughout the season, while goalkeeper Daraphun Talang’s penalty save in the semifinal could provide a psychological boost heading into the final.
Both Teams Promise Attacking Football
At the pre-match press conference, Nongkseh’s Hardy Cliff and coach Richard Nongneng, along with Lajong’s Wilbert and manager Lekini Suting, stated that they would continue showcasing the entertaining, attacking style of football that has brought them this far.
More Than a Trophy at Stake
The Champions Cup title comes with one of Meghalaya’s biggest football cash prizes — ₹8 lakh — but for the players and supporters, the stakes go far beyond money. Pride, prestige, and the chance to be etched into Meghalaya football history are on the line.
With both teams carrying unbeaten records and overflowing confidence, Saturday’s final is expected to deliver a contest worthy of the title “Champions of Champions.”
An epic showdown awaits at SSA Stadium — only one unbeaten journey will survive.
