By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 10: 7 Wasa United and Shillong Lajong will meet in the opening match of the 4th Meghalaya State League 2024 at the Wahiajer Multi Sports Complex on 26 October, according to fixtures released by the Meghalaya Football Association on Thursday.
The two teams are in Group E, which will play all their matches at the ground in West Jaintia Hills.
7 Wasa won the inaugural MSL title in January 2018, with Lajong winning the second in December 2019.
The other groups will play their first matches on 28 October except for Group C in Tyrsad, where the action will start on 30 October. The last group game will be played on 7 November.There are six groups in all, each with four clubs, for a total of 24 participating teams, who are the top sides from the leagues conducted by affiliated district associations of the MFA.Each of the group winners plus the two best second-placed teams from across the six groups will qualify for the quarterfinal round. This marks a change from the previous three editions, where the group winners qualified directly for the semifinals, thereby adding an extra round of action.The dates and venues of the knockouts will be informed by the MFA later.Rangdajied United FC are the defending champions, having defeated Khliehmawlieh Youth Club in last year’s final.With the stage set for another edition of the Meghalaya State League, fans can expect thrilling football action from across the state. As the fourth edition of the Meghalaya State League (MSL) gears up for kick-off, the excitement and anticipation among football enthusiasts across the state are palpable. With 24 teams from different districts battling it out for supremacy, this year’s tournament promises to be bigger and more competitive than ever before. The introduction of an additional quarterfinal round adds a fresh twist to the format, allowing for even more high-stakes action as teams strive for a place in the semifinals. Fans will eagerly watch to see whether defending champions Rangdajied United FC can hold on to their title, or if former champions 7 Wasa United or Shillong Lajong will reclaim the crown. With matches spread across six venues, including the Wahiajer Multi Sports Complex and Tyrsad, the tournament offers a platform for local talent to shine on a state-level stage.