Shillong, July 14: Langsning FC have bolstered their squad with the signing of 10 players ahead of the club’s debut in the 135th Durand Cup, as they look to make a strong impression in Asia’s oldest football tournament.
The new recruits are Samuel James L. Kynshi, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem, Allen C. Lyngdoh Nongbri, Richie Kharbani, Monush Lapang, Alex Manar, Rohan Manar, Meban Kurkalang, Syed Ahmed and Rituraj Boruah.
The marquee signing is India U-23 international Samuel James L. Kynshi, who joins from I-League side Gokulam Kerala FC. The midfielder represented India in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers and brings a wealth of experience, having previously played for Shillong Lajong FC, Punjab FC, Mawlai SC, Real Kashmir FC, Rajasthan United FC and Gokulam Kerala.
Another notable addition is attacking midfielder Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem, who arrives from Shillong Lajong FC after featuring in both the I-League and the Durand Cup.
Defender Allen Camper Lyngdoh Nongbri and forward Syed Ahmed have joined from FC Bengaluru United, who recently secured promotion to the Indian Football League (IFL) after finishing runners-up in I-League 2.
Langsning have also signed three players from Garhwal Heroes FC- midfielder Richie Kharbani, forward Rohan Manar and midfielder Alex Manar, who represented Meghalaya in this year’s U-20 Men’s National Football Championship.
Completing the list of signings are forward Monush Lapang from Rymbai Shkenshynriah FC, midfielder Mebanshngain Kurkalang from Rangdajied United FC and defender Rituraj Boruah from Chaigaon FC.
Of the 10 new signings, eight are from Meghalaya, while Syed Ahmed and Rituraj Boruah add experience from outside the state.
Speaking on the new signings, Langsning FC CEO Bankit Pakyntein said the club hopes the arrival of quality players will further raise the standard of football in Meghalaya and inspire more local talent to compete at the highest level.
“We need more players from Meghalaya to play for the national team. The level of football in Meghalaya is very good; it’s very high compared to other states,” he said.
Langsning earned qualification for the 135th Durand Cup after winning the Shillong Premier League 2025 and finishing runners-up in the 5th Meghalaya State League.
The club has been drawn in Group E alongside fellow Meghalaya clubs Shillong Lajong FC and Nongkseh SC, as well as Mumbay FC.
