Shillong, Oct 31: Rangdajied United qualified for the semifinals of the inaugural SSA Super Cup 2025 with a 3-0 victory against Nangkiew Irat in the first playoff at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Friday evening.
Benny V Khriam struck home in the 36th minute following an assist from Pasborlang Khonglikong. Dibormi Kassar (73’P, 85’P) then converted two penalties in the second half.
The SSA Super Cup, organised by the Shillong Sports Association, adds another level of competition and excitement for fans of the game, with the Top 6 from the Shillong Premier League 2025 battling it out in knockout tournament. Nangkiew Irat and RUFC were fourth and fifth in the SPL and drew their meeting in that league 1-1 on 5 September.
Rangdajied will meet Langsning in the first semifinal on 7 November. As the champions of the Shillong Premier League 2025, Langsning and runners-up Shillong Lajong qualified directly for the semis.
There were a few corners of interest in the first half an hour of the match but both sides were very cautious, given the importance of the game.
A cross in from the right flank was headed back by Pasborlang after Nangkiew Irat goalkeeper Akash Thapa could not get to the ball and it was sent in the direction of Benny, who had an open net to aim at.
The two second half goals were both the result of fouls in the box. Kitdorlang L Nonglait was the first guilty party as he clattered into Pasborlang, while Dibinroy then pulled down Dibormi a few minutes from the final whistle.
Dibormi stepped up to take both spot kicks and they were carbon copies – with the ball aimed low to the right of Akash on both occasions.
For his tireless work in the defence and midfield, Mebanshngain Kurkalang was named T7 Player of the Match and received a memento and cheque of Rs 5,000 from SSA Working President Robert Dkhar.
On Saturday it will be SPL third-placed finishers Mawlai against sixth-placed Sawmer at 5pm.
The winner of that momentous match will take on Shillong Lajong in the second semifinal.
