Shillong Lajong delivered a commanding performance in the SSA Champions Cup 2025, extending their undefeated run this season to 12 matches with a resounding 6–0 victory over Mawkriah West in their Meghalaya Group B fixture at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo. The match was highlighted by Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, who secured the competition’s first hat-trick, striking all three goals in the opening half. After the break, Ricky Kharkongor, Willbeson Jaba, and Samchaphrang Lato each contributed a goal to complete the dominant scoreline against Mawkriah West, a team newly promoted from the Third Division that struggled significantly to handle Lajong’s superior pace and intense pressure throughout the contest.
In an earlier Group B encounter, Nongkseh were pushed to the limit before ultimately achieving a narrow 1–0 triumph against a resilient Laitkyrhong side. The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when Hardy Cliff Nongbri’s corner kick sailed directly into the net, finally shattering Laitkyrhong’s disciplined and stubborn defensive structure. Nongkseh had faced considerable frustration earlier, having struck the woodwork, seen a goal disallowed, and missed several scoring opportunities. Conversely, Laitkyrhong created a clear threat when Daraphun Talang was forced to make a save, tipping a powerful shot from Mebanrikupar Rynjah over the crossbar.
The initial phase of the Champions Cup has been characterized by both tightly contested battles and overwhelming performances, emphasizing a noticeable increase in competitiveness across the various Shillong Sports Association divisions. Looking ahead, Group A action is scheduled to resume on Thursday, with Umlyngka set to face Meghalaya Police at 1:00 pm, followed by the clash between Mylliem Lum and Langsning at 4:30 pm.
