By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 9: Archrivals Shillong Lajong and Rangdajied United will meet in the final of the inaugural SSA Super Cup 2025 after both came through their respective semifinals over the last couple of days.
On Friday Rangdajied defeated Langsning 2-0 while Lajong pipped Mawlai 1-0 on Saturday.
The new 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. Langsning, as SPL champions, and runners-up Shillong Lajong were given direct spots in the semifinals, while Rangdajied and Mawlai had to come through playoffs to reach the last-four.
Stephanson Pale (42′, 90’+1) scored at the tail end of each half to sink the SPL 2025 champions Langsning. Stephanson’s first goal took a heavy deflection off Langsning defender Apborlang Kurbah. This came just a few minutes before he had fired one from a similar position over the crossbar.
Into second half stoppage time and on a counterattack, Stephanson produced a brilliant display of footwork to create space away from a defender and he unleashed a right-footer that beat Langsning goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh and that sealed the match in Rangdajied’s favour.
Deservedly, Stephanson was named the T7 Player of the Match.
The next day the only goal of the game was an own goal, via Mawlai’s Arkibor Makhroh in the 27th minute.
Both Lajong and Mawlai ended the match with 10 men each on the pitch. Mawlai had Kevin Rymbai sent off in the 70th minute after having words with the referee (he was already on a yellow card before that) and SLFC’s Banlamkupar Rynjah was shown a second yellow for wasting too much time while being substituted.
The goal came through a corner. Lajong’s Wilbert Marbaniang may have got his head to the ball but it would have gone wide if it had not hit Arkibor, who was behind Wilbert.Lajong could have put the game to bed with a late penalty, which Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare conceded after taking out an opposition player in the box. However, the custodian made up for that mistake by blocking Mebanaibok Kharbudnah’s spot kick.
