By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 25: Meghalaya’s top clubs from around the state are all set to launch into the biggest statewide club-level tournament with the beginning of the 4th Meghalaya State League (MSL 4) 2024 on Saturday, October 26.
The opening match will see two former champions – inaugural winners 7 Wasa United and 2019 victors Shillong Lajong – getting the tournament off and running at the Wahiajer Multi Sports Complex in Wahiajer, West Jaintia Hills.
The tournament, run by the Meghalaya Football Association and fully supported by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, brings the best clubs from the local leagues of affiliated district associations together in one mega tournament.
Rangdajied United FC are the defending champions, having defeated Khliehmawlieh Youth Club in last year’s final to become the third different team to lift the coveted trophy.
This season features a change in format, with the number of groups increasing to six, with four teams in each. An extra round of action has also been incorporated with the introduction of quarterfinals.
The best team from each group plus the two best second-placed teams overall will qualify for the knockouts.
Wahiajer will host Group E matches and this is the first time that the new stadium funded by the state government will be used for the prestigious MSL.
The other new venue is Tyrsad, a place known for its passionate football fans, while Tura, Shillong, Mawkyrwat and Khliehriat all return as venues this season.
Group A (Tura) – Chipakkore FC, Atong Matgrik FC, Pinggera Do’gisik FC, Lumsohkhlur S&SC
Group B (Mawkyrwat) – Mawten SC, Khliehmawlieh YC, Riangdo Youth S&CA, Sutnga SS&CC
Group C (Tyrsad) – Mawlum Tyrsad SC, Seven United SS&CC, Ladthadlaboh SC, Nangkiew Shaphrang Lumdiengngan SC
Group D (Khliehriat) – Iatyllilang Lumsehkot FC Raliang, Mulait United FC, Rangdajied United FC, Rymbai Skhenshynriah SC
Group E (Wahiajer) – 7 Wasa United S&CC, Shillong Lajong FC, Seinbhalang Shkentalang FC, Mawtari Myrdon SC
Group F (Shillong) – Mawlai SC, Seng Samla Mawmluh, Pynursla United YC, Patharkhmah SC