Shillong, Jan 5: Tynrongmawsaw and Niaw Wasa are buoyant ahead of their title match when the two sides will clash in the final of the inaugural Meghalaya State League in Jowai on Saturday at 1PM.
Each team has advantages and disadvantages going into the game, which should assure the fans of a high-octane performance.
Tynrongmawsaw have been unbeaten throughout the tournament – winning three and drawing one of their Group C fixtures before drawing twice with top Shillong-based side Langsning in the semifinals; they progressed to the title contest based on away goals. However, their first choice goalkeeper will not be available for the final after picking up two yellow cards in the last-four stage.
Niaw Wasa also won three and drew one of their Group A games and then won heavily against Druma Sandruma at home in the first leg of the semifinals before losing in the reverse fixture, but still coming out in front on aggregate.
The West Jaintia Hills side will also have the advantage of playing at home on artificial turf that will be familiar to them as well as having a couple of experienced players in the form of Niwan-o Gatphoh and Ambrous Syngkli in the line-up.
Besides the action on the pitch, spectators will also be able to witness the launch of the MSL’s official anthem, which will be sung by top Meghalaya band Summersalt.
The tournament organisers – the Meghalaya Football Association – have been very pleased with the way this unique tournament, which for the first time has been played between top teams from across the state in multiple venues, has progressed and expressed their thanks to chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs for beginning this objective, which neatly supplements the aims and objectives of the Meghalaya government’s Mission Football policy.
The chief dignitaries on the occasion of the final will be DP Wahlang, principal secretary to the Meghalaya government and advisor and lifetime member of the MFA and Matsiewdor War Nongbri, the Sports and Youth Affairs director.
(Photo contributed by the Meghalaya Football Association)