By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 12: The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as Nongkseh and Shillong Lajong prepare to battle for the SSA Champions Cup 2025 title on Saturday, with both teams carrying unbeaten records into the much-anticipated final at the SSA Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30pm.
The two sides, who have not suffered a single defeat in any Shillong Sports Association competition this year, will see one unbeaten streak end when the inaugural champions are crowned. Their earlier meeting in the group stage finished 1-1, drawing a massive crowd and sparking a fresh rivalry that is expected to peak in Saturday’s final, which has already generated tremendous interest among supporters and neutrals alike.
Lajong, competing in the top-tier Shillong Premier League, missed out on defending their SPL title earlier this year after finishing runners-up to Langsning. Despite the setback, they remained unbeaten across nine SPL matches, recording five wins and four draws, and later lifted the SSA Super Cup.
In the Champions Cup, Lajong topped Group B with three wins and a draw before dispatching Meghalaya Police 2-0 in Wednesday’s semifinal, extending their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions since August.
Nongkseh’s journey has been equally remarkable. Dominating the First Division, they won all nine matches en route to the title and earned promotion to next season’s SPL, conceding only two goals throughout the campaign. Excluded from the Super Cup due to format restrictions, they impressed in the Champions Cup with three wins and a draw in the group stage. Their semifinal clash against three-time SPL champions Langsning proved their toughest test — falling behind 0-2 within 20 minutes, they staged a spirited comeback to level the match by the half-hour mark and eventually triumphed 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Nongkseh have assembled a squad rich in talent and experience, featuring players with I-League backgrounds. The attacking prowess of Chesterpaul Lyngdoh, Kynsaibor Lhuid, Kitboklang Pale and Hardy Cliff Nongbri, combined with the defensive strength of Mebankhraw Wahlang, Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw and Banskhemlang Mawlong, has been central to their success. Goalkeeper Daraphun Talang’s crucial penalty save in the semifinal further boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the final.
For Lajong, early tournament standout Riborlang L Lyngkhoi remains a threat despite a quiet few matches, while the presence of Babysunday Marngar and Deibormame Tongper adds attacking depth. Set-piece specialist Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi, midfield controller Samchaphrang Lato, defensive pillar Wilbert Marbaniang and in-form goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang round off a well-balanced and resilient squad.
During Friday’s pre-match press conference, Lajong representatives Wilbert and manager Lekini Suting, along with Nongkseh’s Hardy Cliff and coach Richard Nongneng, expressed confidence in sticking to the exciting, attacking football that has drawn packed crowds throughout the season. The title comes with a prominent trophy and one of Meghalaya’s highest prize amounts — Rs 8 lakh — but both teams emphasised that the true motivation lies in winning for their fans, their clubs, and the legacy they continue to build.
With Nongkseh eager to crown their breakout season and Lajong determined to uphold their reputation as Meghalaya’s premier football club, Saturday’s final promises to deliver a contest worthy of the “Champions of Champions” mantle — intense, emotional and unforgettable.
