Shillong, Oct 10: 7 Wasa United and Shillong Lajong will meet in the opening match of the 4th Meghalaya State League 2024 at the Wahiajer Multi Sports Complex on 26th October, according to fixtures released by the Meghalaya Football Association today.
The two teams are in Group E, which will play all their matches at the ground in West Jaintia Hills. 7 Wasa (or Niaw Wasa) won the inaugural MSL title in January 2018, with Lajong winning the second in December 2019.
The other groups will play their first matches on 28th October except for Group C in Tyrsad, where the action will start on 30th October. The last group game will be played on 7th November.
There are six groups in all, each with four clubs, for a total of 24 participating teams.
Each of the group winners plus the two best second-placed teams from across the six groups will qualify for the quarterfinal round. This marks a change from the previous three editions, where the group winners qualified directly for the semifinals, thereby adding an extra round of action.
The dates and venues of the knockouts will be informed by the MFA later.
Even though an extra round has been added, there will be fewer matches this year compared to last. 2023 had 25 teams split between four groups and 70 matches in total. This year there will be 24 teams divided between six groups and 43 matches in all.
Rangdajied United FC are the defending champions, having defeated Khliehmawlieh Youth Club in last year’s final.
Group A (Tura) – Chipakkore FC, Atong Matgrik FC, Pinggera Do’gisik FC, Lumsohkhlur S&SC
Group B (Mawkyrwat) – Mawten SC, Khliehmawlieh YC, Riangdo Youth S&CA, Sutnga SS&CC
Group C (Tyrsad) – Mawlum Tyrsad SC, Seven United SS&CC, Ladthadlaboh SC, Nangkiew Shaphrang Lumdiengngan SC
Group D (Khliehriat) – Iatyllilang Lumsehkot FC Raliang, Mulait United FC, Rangdajied United FC, Rymbai Skhenshynriah SC
Group E (Wahiajer) – 7 Wasa United S&CC, Shillong Lajong FC, Seinbhalang Shkentalang FC, Mawtari Myrdon SC
Group F (Shillong) – Mawlai SC, Seng Samla Mawmluh, Pynursla United YC, Patharkhmah SC
(File photos of Shillong Lajong and 7 Wasa United)
