SSA Champions Cup 2025
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 3: Mawkasiang and Mawkriah West did what they had to do to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the SSA Champions Cup 2025 semifinals by winning their respective matches at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Wednesday.
Mawkasiang held off Umlyngka for a 2-1 win in Group A, while Mawkriah West came from a goal down to beat Mawlynrei 4-3 in Group B.
Samlang Rympei (43’) and Lamshai Jana (67’) scored for Mawkasiang in the first fixture while Umlyngka’s Babitlang Wahlang (52’P) converted a penalty. This was Mawkasiang’s first win but, with a point from their opening fixture, they now have 4 and still have to meet Langsning (7). A win for Mawkasiang then would put them through to the semis on head-to-head.
The evening kick-off was an absolute goal fest, with Enestar Malngiang (29’P, 40’, 51’) scoring a hat-trick and Calbessius Pathaw (38’) one goal for Mawkriah West. Ferdinand Pyngrope (17’) and Alem Khongwir (67’, 79’) scored for Mawlynrei. This was also Mawkriah’s first victory and they have 3 points. Their fate is no longer in their hands, however, as if Nongkseh (6) even get a point on Thursday against Shillong Lajong (9) they will qualify for the knockouts. However, a defeat would take the fight for the semifinals to Saturday when Nongkseh are to face Mawkriah. What makes it even more interesting is that Laitkyrhong (3) could also end up with 6 points if they beat Mawlynrei in their last outing on Friday.
The Champions Cup action continues on Thursday when Meghalaya Police face Mylliem Lum in Group A at 1pm. MLP have already confirmed a place in the semis, while bottom side Mylliem Lum will be playing for pride in their last match.
Later, the most-anticipated clash of the tournament thus far will be held when Nongkseh face Lajong at 4:30pm. While SLFC have already booked their slot in the semis, they will not want to give any ground to Nongkseh.
