Shillong, Oct 1: Shillong is set to host I-League 3 football this October, with the SSA Football Stadium in Polo scheduled to stage all Group C matches from October 22 to 30.
The group features five teams: hosts Nongkseh Sport & Cultural Club, Chhaygaon FC, Lakecity FC, Godavari FC, and Kuppuraj FC. The 10-match group-stage schedule will be played across five matchdays, with games at 9am and 3pm.
Nongkseh’s place in I-League 3 comes as a result of their title-winning campaign in the 5th Meghalaya State League (MSL 5). Playing in the state league for the first time, Nongkseh went on to beat Langsning FC 2-1 in the final at the SSA Stadium on June 5 to become Meghalaya champions. The MSL 5 title also opened the pathway for the club to compete in I-League 3.
Nongkseh will begin their Group C campaign on October 22 against Kuppuraj FC at 9am, before Chhaygaon FC take on Lakecity FC and Godavari FC on the same day at 3pm. The remaining group matches will be played on October 24, 26, 28 and 30.
The arrival of I-League 3 adds to Shillong’s growing role as a venue for major football competitions. The city recently hosted the Shillong leg of the 135th Durand Cup, with eight matches played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium between July 31 and August 20. The tournament featured Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh S&CC and Langsning FC alongside Mumbay FC in the Shillong group.
In addition, Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2 is also coming to Shillong, with Jakrem FC set to make their national competition debut. The Group C matches will be played at the SSA Stadium on October 25, 27 and 29.
