By Our Reporter
Shillong, Aug 17: Mawkasiang bagged the title of U-20 Fourth Division 2025 champions by beating Mawlynrei 3-1 on penalties in a dramatic final of the Shillong Sports Association’s tournament at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Saturday.
The full 80 minutes ended 2-2 and there was no goal in extra time. After such a tense and evenly contested match, the tiebreaker was one-sided as Mawlynrei failed to score from three spot kicks, while Mawkasiang scored from all three that they took.
Mawlynrei were just a couple of minutes from victory before Hame-dao Nongtdu (80’+1) equalised.
The fourth official had signalled 3 minutes of stoppage time but just at that moment a Mawlynrei player fouled an opponent in a dangerous position not far from the box.
Hame took the kick and it kissed the woodwork before bouncing back off the goalkeeper and crossing the line.
Earlier, it was Mawlynrei who fought back brilliantly after going behind early in the contest in front of a packed stadium where Mawlynrei fans appeared to have the edge.
Keeper Stevenson Kharsyntiew gathered a back pass and the referee awarded an indirect free-kick to Mawkasiang. They were unable to penetrate the wall but Melbert Kharbangar (4’) negotiated the rebound’s high bounce to hoick the ball back towards and over the goalie.
Mawlynrei, however, created plenty of chances and were finally rewarded for their persistence when Banrap Dohling (24’) was fed the ball by Elvinson Kharsohnoh.
He went one-on-one with Mawkasiang keeper Farbious Marbaniang and scored.
No further goals came in the first half but there was then disaster for Mawkasiang after a player was shown a red card after an altercation between players of both sides. That left Mawkasiang battling with just 10 men and Mawlynrei’s advantage in numbers paid off when Elvinson (51’) tapped in a cross from the left just five minutes later.
Mawkasiang were hungry but it looked like they were going to struggle to equalise being a man down, that is until Hame’s fantastic free-kick.
Mawlynrei thought they had a shout for a penalty in extra time but they took their protest to the referee a little too far and one of their own players was also sent off.
The Fourth Division, and with it the SSA’s 2025 football season, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in June.
The SSA has received generous financial support from the state government to hold its various football tournaments across the youth, senior men and women’s categories.
The Third Division is already in the quarterfinal stage, while the top tier Shillong Premier League has also recently begun. The Second Division will start on Monday. Present at the prize distribution ceremony were dignitaries from the SSA and parent body the Meghalaya Football Association, led by Banteidor Lyngdoh and Hamletson Dohling, the Presidents of the two respective associations.
The champions received Rs 60,000 as prize money and the runners-up Rs 30,000.
Farbious was adjudged Player of the Final after he stopped two spot kicks in the tiebreaker. Phasdonlang Hynniewta, who scored two hat-tricks for Mawphlang and nine goals in total, earned the Top Scorer award.
Both Mawkasiang and Mawlynrei, as well as the two losing semifinalists Lummawbah and Lapalang, will be promoted to next season’s Third Division.
The victory capped a memorable campaign for Mawkasiang, who showed grit, resilience and composure under pressure to lift the title. For Mawlynrei, it was heartbreak after coming within touching distance of glory, but their fighting spirit earned admiration from the stands. With promotion to the Third Division secured for both finalists, the contest was a fitting reminder of the passion and promise that continue to drive grassroots football in Shillong.