Shillong, Nov 5: Mawpat SC showed their fighting spirit to come from behind and secure a 2-1 victory over Nongkrem in the second Group A match of the SSA Champions Cup 2026 at the SSA Stadium on Wednesday.
After trailing at half-time, Mawpat turned the game around through second-half goals from Thompson Lyngdoh (46′) and Sparkle Khongshei (68′), cancelling out Sawadame Tang’s opener for Nongkrem in the 21st minute.
Despite being the Second Division champions, Mawpat entered the contest with considerable expectations after assembling a strong squad for the 2026 season and further strengthening it with five loan signings for the Champions Cup. The competition’s loan provisions allow clubs from the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions to bring in additional players, while Shillong Premier League and First Division sides must rely on their registered squads.
However, it was First Division runners-up Nongkrem who took the initiative. Their pressure inside the Mawpat penalty area eventually paid off when Sawadame found the net from close range in the 21st minute.
Mawpat responded with a few promising moves, including an opportunity for Thompson, who received a long ball but could only direct a weak effort towards Nongkrem goalkeeper Jovialstar Lyngkhoi. A series of corners and attacking moves followed, but Nongkrem’s defence held firm.
Nongkrem nearly doubled their advantage in stoppage time when Donboklang Kharjana struck the crossbar, leaving Mawpat with work to do after the break.
The response came almost immediately. Within 30 seconds of the restart, Thompson found the net with a shot from a tight angle on the right, bringing Mawpat level and shifting the momentum of the contest.
Mawpat continued to press for a second goal, with Reform Pale and Thompson both missing opportunities around the hour mark. A few minutes later, Balamlynti Khongjee delivered a dangerous ball into the box, but two Mawpat players failed to make contact with their headers.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 68th minute when Sparkle collected the ball just inside Nongkrem’s half, drove towards goal and rounded Jovialstar to score into an unguarded net. Nongkrem’s players appeared to expect the referee to stop play for a foul, but the game continued and Mawpat capitalised.
Mawpat had further opportunities to extend their lead late in the match, both falling to Donboklang Lyngdoh. After being fouled just outside the penalty area, he sent the resulting free-kick wide. He then earned a penalty following another foul inside the box, but Jovialstar produced an excellent diving save to his right to keep the score at 2-1.
The result gives Mawpat three points in Group A, while Nongkrem will be left to reflect on their missed opportunities after surrendering their first-half advantage.
The SSA Champions Cup resumes on November 7 with a Group B double-header. Shillong Lajong FC, the Shillong Premier League runners-up, will take on Sanmer SC, the Third Division champions, at 12:30pm. First Division champions Mawkhar SC will then face Second Division runners-up Sohryngkham at 3:45pm.
