Shillong, Nov 4: Mawpat SC picked up 3 points after coming from a goal down to defeat Nongkrem 2-1 in the second match of Group A in the SSA Champions Cup at the SSA Stadium here today.
Backed by their enthusiastic fans, Thompson Lyngdoh (46’) and Sparkle Khongshei (68’) scored for Mawpat in the second half after Nongkrem claimed the lead via Sawadame Tang (21’) in a competitive fixture that had its thrills all the way to the very end.
Although Nongkrem, the First Division runners-up, play in a higher tier than Second Division champions Mawpat, the general consensus was that this was going to be easy for Mawpat, who built up a strong squad ahead of the 2026 season that has been strengthened further with five on loan signings for the Champions Cup. This loan feature is only available to the Second, Third and Fourth Division teams, with those in the Shillong Premier League and First Division having to play with their own registered players only.
But despite this, it was Nongkrem who struck first, with pressure applied in the Mawpat box leading to Sawadame scoring in close quarters action.
Almost immediately after, Thompson had a long ball delivered at his feet but his effort was a soft one to Nongkrem goalkeeper Jovialstar Lyngkhoi. Mawpat had a couple of corners and other promising moves after that but good defending saw Nongkrem hold on. They even nearly had a second goal in stoppage time when Donboklang Kharjana struck the crossbar.
After the break, however, Mawpat hit back immediately. Thompson unleashed a shot from a tight angle on the right flank and found the mark in under 30 seconds of the restart and Mawpat never let up in intensity after that.
Several chances went begging – such as for Reform Pale and Thompson on the hour mark and a ball into the box from Balamlynti Khongjee a few minutes later that not one but two Mawpat players failed to get their heads to.
Soon after, though, Sparkle ran with the ball from just inside the Nongkrem half and only had Jovialstar to beat, which he did neatly enough to score into an open net. Nongkrem appeared to have expected the referee to stop for a foul but play continued and the defenders were caught napping.
Mawpat had late chances to add two more, both from Donboklang Lyngdoh. He was the victim of two fouls, one just outside the box and one within it. He struck the free-kick wide and then had his penalty kick denied by Jovial, who made an excellent dive to his right and punched the ball away from danger.
The next matches will take place on 7 November, with a double-header to get Group B going. At 12:30PM SPL runners-up Shillong Lajong FC will face Third Division winners Sanmer SC and this will be followed by First Division champions Mawkhar SC against Second Division runners-up Sohryngkham at 3:45PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Nongkrem in red, Mawpat in blue)
