Shillong, Oct 15: Nongkrem and Mawkhar reached the final of the Shillong Sports Association’s First Division 2026 and, with it, secured promotion back to the Shillong Premier League next year.
The two teams won their respective semifinal matches today at the SSA Stadium. While Nongkrem beat Mylliem Lum 2-0, Mawkhar edged Malki 2-1. By reaching the final, which will be held on 19th October, Nongkrem and Mawkhar also booked their places in next month’s SSA Champions Cup.
In the first match, Aiboklang Nongrum (1′) scored within 30 seconds of kick-off before Mylliem Lum even had a touch on the ball and Sholinstar Syngkli (34′) doubled the lead later in the first half.
Later, Mawkhar went ahead in the 41st minute through an own goal but Malki equalised via Bryan Basaiawmoit (60′) on the hour. The winning goal came just five minutes later, however, with Emanuel Rongrin (65′) sending Mawkhar into the final.
Both Nongkrem and Mawkhar have been in the SPL before where they struggled at the higher level. Mawkhar, most recently, were in the 2022 edition where they finished at the bottom with 1 win, 4 draws and 9 defeats. Nongkrem, however, were last here in 2016 when they lost all 14 matches.
Tomorrow’s fixtures:
Relegation Zone – Nongrim Hills vs Ryntih, 12PM, SSA Stadium
Relegation Zone – Mawtawar vs Laitkyrhong, 12PM, MFA Ground