Shillong, Oct 19: The second edition of the SSA Super Cup was won by Nongkseh after they delivered an excellent performance in the final against Meghalaya Police to win 3-0 at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
An own goal (8’) gave Nongkseh the lead early on before Dawanchwa Challam doubled it in the 78th and captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri completed the job in the 86th.
In front of an SSA Stadium packed with fans, the fierce first half yielded an early goal. Chesterpaul Lyngdoh looked to deliver the ball into the box for teammate Kitboklang Pale but it took a touch off MLP’s Wanteilang Kharkongor and went into the net.
Nongkseh appeared a little nervous early in defence and the police were determined in trying to claw their way back.
Chesterfield Nongdhar had a go from distance in the 19th minute but clipped the crossbar. Bisharlang Kharumnuid was a real workhorse for MLP and in the 36th minute he outran his young opponents and sent in an excellent cross to the far side but Aldrin Ramsiej struck it over when in a glorious position.
Nongkseh had a bit more life at the start of the second half with substitute Shano Tariang almost making an immediate impact in under a minute but his shot on the run was wide.
Twenty minutes later Hamedamanbha Wahlang delivered an excellent through ball for Shano but MLP goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh charged out and blocked the attempt to dink it over him.
Shano created the second goal by taking it up the left and chipping for Dawanchwa, who negotiated an unwieldy bounce to put it into the back of the net.
That took the sting out of MLP but Hardy made absolutely sure by heading in a cross in the dying minutes.
The final was attended by a host of dignitaries, led by Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla. Also present was retired Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling, MFA General Secretary Sunesh Syiem and senior SSA members led by President Banteidor Lyngdoh MLA.
At the prize distribution ceremony, the T7 Player of the Final award went to Chesterpaul Lyngdoh of Nongkseh. The champions also received a cheque of Rs 2 lakh and the runners-up were awarded Rs 1 lakh.
After a fantastic Super Cup there is more football action to end 2026 with, as the second edition of the SSA Champions Cup will start at the beginning of November, bringing together the champions and runners-up of all five divisions in the SSA’s men’s football pyramid in one thrilling league-cum-knockout tournament.
(Shillong Sports Association photo)
