Shillong, June 5: Nongkseh SS&CC completed a remarkable debut season in the Meghalaya State League (MSL) by winning the MSL 5 title against Langsning FC at a sold-out SSA Stadium on Friday evening, coming from a goal down to win 2-1 in front of a packed and passionate crowd.
Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri (61’) and substitute Shano Tariang (68’) scored in the second half to overturn an own goal (45’+1) conceded just before half time, giving Nongkseh a victory that was fully deserved after their best performance of the entire campaign.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and several other dignitaries, presented Nongkseh with the championship trophy and a cheque of Rs 8 lakh while runners-up Langsning received Rs 5 lakh, making this the highest prize money awarded in the MSL history, so far.
The evening looked to be heading in Langsning’s favour when Nongkseh defender Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw got an unlucky touch on the ball as Langsning pressed forward, diverting it into his own net in first half stoppage time.
Nongkseh came out a different side after the break. Shano Tariang was introduced at the start of the second half and immediately added energy and danger to their attack. The equaliser came in the 61st minute when Sheen Sohktung chipped a precise ball for Hardy Cliff Nongbri to head home. Seven minutes later, in the 68th minute, Kitboklang Pale burst forward on the counter and set up Shano, who finished off balance but with great composure to put Nongkseh ahead.
Langsning pushed hard for an equaliser in the final stages but could not find a way through. Barely a soul left the stadium before the final whistle, a sign of just how gripping the contest had been.
The closing ceremony also saw individual awards handed out. Kitboklang Pale of Nongkseh was named Player of the Final, while his teammate Guidle Syiemlieh took the Best Goalkeeper award. Langsning’s Nelson Rymbai, who finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 23 goals, was named Top Scorer. Hardy Cliff Nongbri was declared the Player of the Tournament.
This year’s edition was the biggest of the Meghalaya State League editions yet. Thirty-three teams took part, playing across eight venues in a total of 139 matches, more than any previous year. For the first time, the tournament met all the requirements of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), including the use of its Competition Management System and Centralised Registration System, and produced enough matches for the champions to qualify for I-League 3. The competition is an initiative of the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) with the full support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The tournament also carried extra meaning as it took place during the MFA’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. Throughout the competition, participating clubs and local organising committees conducted themselves professionally, adding to the occasion.
The fan response told its own story. Tickets for the final sold out early in the afternoon, and the atmosphere inside the SSA Stadium was unlike anything seen in previous editions. It was a fitting end to a competition that continues to grow in stature and significance.
