Shillong Lajong has officially secured the first semifinal berth in the SSA Champions Cup 2025 following a composed 2-0 win against a diminished Laitkyrhong side at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo. The victory extends Lajong’s perfect run to three matches, granting them nine points and an unassailable lead atop Group B, ensuring their mathematical qualification for the final four.
Despite a dominant display and numerous early opportunities, Lajong were forced to wait for their breakthrough. In the first half, Samchaphrang Lato saw two long-range efforts drift wide, Babysunday Marngar missed the target from close range, and Rimankhraw Kharumnuid’s powerful strike narrowly skimmed the crossbar. Laitkyrhong goalkeeper Honesstar Khyriem kept the contest alive into the second half, executing a superb diving save to deny Riborlang L Lyngkhoi in the 59th minute. The persistent pressure finally yielded a result in the 69th minute when Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi headed in a precise cross from Rimankhraw. Just five minutes later, Babysunday Marngar capitalized on a swift counter-attack, initiated by SLFC goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang, to double the lead. Laitkyrhong’s tough night culminated in the late dismissals of two senior players, Restom Khriam for dissent and Dibinroy Nongspung after accumulating a second yellow card.
In the earlier Group A encounter, Langsning and Meghalaya Police (MLP) played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The result leaves both teams level on seven points with an identical goal difference, though MLP holds a narrow edge based on goals scored. MLP broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, ending Langsning’s nearly 200-minute streak without conceding, when Everestarly Rynjah curled a free-kick past Langsning goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh. Langsning responded in the 30th minute with Manbhalang Nongmin nodding home from a corner kick. The tense affair saw chances created by both sides, including a sharp save by Rajat Paul from Rapborlang Marwein and a shot by Pynshailang Lyngkhoi that struck the crossbar just before half-time. Late in the game, MLP goalkeeper Nister Suting brilliantly tipped a clean left-footed effort from Dajiedlang Wanshnong over the bar. The outcome has left Group A finely poised, as Mawkasiang remains in contention and could force a three-way tie if results go their way; they are scheduled to face Umlyngka tomorrow at 1 pm. Meanwhile, in Group B, Mawlynrei and Mawkriah West, both still seeking their first point, are set to play at 4:30 pm.
