Shillong, Nov 8: Shillong Lajong will meet Rangdajied United in the final of the inaugural SSA Super Cup 2025 after the former edged Mawlai 1-0 in the second semifinal at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
The only goal of the game was an own goal, via Arkibor Makhroh in the 27th minute.
Rangdajied had won the first semifinal against Shillong Premier League champions Langsning yesterday.
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 SPL 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.
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.
Mawlai played blisteringly fast-paced football but, as has been the case on more than one occasion this season, the accuracy of their passing and final touches were not up to the mark. On the other hand, Lajong weren’t all that impressive either – neither side have an out and out striker nor a strong midfield presence.
SLFC did what they had to do to maintain their slender lead, however, with goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang recording another game without conceding – he has only been scored against in one match across the SPL and Super Cup this year while maintaining six clean sheets. He was adjudged the T7 Player of the Match and was presented with a cheque of Rs 5,000 and memento by SSA Vice-President Cliff Nongrum, a former goalkeeper himself.
The final will take place on 13th November at 5PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Shillong Lajong in red, Mawlai in black)
