Shillong, December 4: Shillong Lajong and Nongkseh played out a hard fought 1-1 draw in the SSA Champions Cup that had the thousands of fans that thronged the SSA Stadium on the edge of their seats this evening.
The Group B clash was a monumental meeting of the most successful Shillong-based club in recent years (Lajong) against the new challengers (Nongkseh) who have beaten all that have come their way before today.
Kynsaibor Lhuid (67’) scored first for Nongkseh before Deibormame Tongper (76′) equalised for Lajong. Although Nongkseh’s passionate fans will have been disappointed that their 11-game winning streak across the First Division and the Champions Cup has come to an end, the draw was enough to send Nongkseh into the semifinals.
For Lajong, who had already qualified for the semis before today, this was their 15th match in a row unbeaten, across the Shillong Premier League, SSA Super Cup and now the Champions Cup. This evening was also the first time that either side conceded a goal in this tournament.
Meanwhile, the afternoon fixture saw Meghalaya Police defeat Mylliem Lum 3-0 to consolidate their hold of first place in Group A. Chesterfield Nongdhar (3’, 54’) and Balmingstar Lyngkhoi (36’) gave MLP a third win and they now have 10 points. They too had booked their place in the knockout round before today’s match.
Nongkseh certainly had the better first half but failed to break through the defences of SLFC, whose goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang has been brilliant this season. He made a couple of crucial saves in the first 45 minutes, such as to deny Kitboklang Pale with a dive at full stretch.
Lajong appeared to be more content to slow things down in the second half and take the draw but Kynsaibor had other ideas, finding the back of the net with an extended boot that wrongfooted Wanteilang.
It was a huge moment for Nongkseh, who have built a team around top quality players this season in an effort to challenge the very best. However, beating Lajong – the SPL 2025 runners-up and Super Cup champions – has not been done by anyone this season and they came right back at their opponents.
In the 76th minute, Nongkseh hoped that Deibormame was offside to meet a ball forward but the assistant referee’s flag stayed down. Nongkseh goalkeeper Daraphun Talang came charging out of the blocks and got to the ball first but his effort to clear it was miscued and the ball fell back to Deibor, who had an empty net to aim at.
After that it was Lajong that actually scripted the better chances, such as when Deibor clipped the upright in the 84th minute, but, ultimately, the scores remained level and the two clubs shared points.
Not to count out the teams in Group A, this could have been a rehearsal for the final. Even if that does not come to pass, Nongkseh will be in next season’s SPL and their new rivalry against Lajong looks set to entertain the fans for a long time to come.
There will be just one game tomorrow, between Mawlynrei and Laitkyrhong at 2:30pm in Group B. As a result of today’s draw, Laitkyrhong no longer have a chance to qualify for the semifinals, so this will be to settle who finishes in third position.
