Shillong, Oct 16: Nongkseh resisted everything Mawlai could throw at them to win 1-0 in the first semifinal of the SSA Super Cup 2026 at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
Banraplang Pyngrope scored the lone goal in the 47th minute.
It was after this point that Mawlai really attacked in earnest but their efforts went either off target or denied by a spirited Nongkseh defence.
Nongkseh will meet the winner of the second semifinal, which will be between Shillong Lajong and Meghalaya Police at 5PM tomorrow. Shillong Premier League 2026 champions Mawlai and runners-up Lajong received direct entry to the semifinals, while Nongkseh and MLP came through the playoffs.
This was Mawlai’s first loss in the SSA 2026 season, having been unbeaten on their way to the SPL title. They had defeated Nongkseh 1-0 when they met in the SPL on 2nd September.
Today the first chance went to Mawlai in the fourth minute but Nongkseh goalkeeper Daraphun Talang blocked the effort from a corner. Then, there was a sensational bicycle kick on target by Chesterpaul Lyngdoh at the other end but Mawlai custodian Lambhamiki Lamare managed to gather it at the second attempt before it crossed the line.
Mawlai were on the ropes after that, with Nongkseh crafting chance after chance. They came close again when Dawanchwa Challam hit the upright.
The first half thus remained goalless but the fans who packed into the stadium did not have to wait long for the deadlock to be broken after the break. A free-kick taken by Hardy Cliff Nongbri bobbled around in the box before Banraplang headed the ball in.
After that Mawlai went into overdrive seeking the equaliser and on many occasions Nongkseh had all 10 outfield players back in a defensive role.
Mawlai’s passing was top-notch at this point but their final touches were found wanting. The most attractive bit of play saw Jestibor Mawlong do all the hard work to brilliantly weave past several defenders into the box. He had just Daraphun between him and goal but his aim was off and he skied the ball well over the bar in the 78th minute.
Basuklang Bina also had a couple of look-ins in stoppage time, of which there were seven minutes, but he had one denied by Daraphun and then hit a more difficult chance over the crossbar.
It was a gritty performance by Nongkseh and far better than their playoff match where they were made to sweat by Sawmer before winning 4-2.
For his winning goal and excellent defence, Banraplang was named the T7 Player of the Match and received his award from former SSA Vice-President and retired Meghalaya Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Mawlai in yellow-green, Nongkseh in blue)