Shillong, June 4: Thirty-three teams began this journey. Only two remain. On Friday evening, Nongkseh SSCC and Langsning FC will go head to head at the SSA Stadium in Polo for the Meghalaya State League 5 (MSL 5) crown and the right to be called champions of Meghalaya.
The grand final will kick-off at 6 pm in front of what promises to be a jam-packed stadium. For those unable to make it to the ground, the final will also be livestreamed on the Hello Meghalaya app.
Neither side has been to an MSL final before, making this a momentous occasion for both clubs. In keeping with a curious tradition of the championship, where no club has won the MSL title more than once across the four previous editions, Friday night will once again witness the crowning of a new champion.
The trophies for the champions and runners-up were unveiled on Thursday in the presence of the captains and coaches of both teams, along with senior MFA officials led by president Hamletson Dohling. Dohling urged football fans to come out in large numbers and fill the SSA Stadium for the grand finale.
The MSL, launched in 2017 by the Meghalaya Football Association and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs to unearth hidden talent from across the state, has more than lived up to that founding promise.
Nongkseh: Unbeaten and Hungry
Nongkseh have remained unbeaten in MSL 5 and undefeated in local competitions since 2025. This is their first season in the league, but the squad is far from inexperienced. Coach Richard Nongneng was measured but confident when asked about the all-important match. “We have prepared well and, though we respect our opponents, we trust that our players will do well and lift the trophy,” he said.
Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri, one of several players in the squad with top-level experience, was equally composed. “All the players are fit and we will work hard and implement the training we’ve had under our coach,” he said.
Friday will be the second meeting between Nongkseh and Langsning in under six months and both sides will be eager to settle the score. Back in December, Nongkseh and Langsning faced each other in the semifinals of the SSA Champions Cup 2025. Langsning made a strong start, scoring two early goals to take control of the match. However, Nongkseh refused to give up, fought back to level the score and eventually won on penalties.
Langsning: Belief, experience and a point to prove
Langsning’s history in the MSL goes back to the very first edition in 2017, when they reached the semifinals. That remained their best result in the competition until this season, which ended with a thrilling semifinal win over Shillong Lajong that sent their fans into a frenzy.
Coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh did not dwell on the December loss, keeping his focus firmly on Friday. “Nongkseh are a strong team but they have some weak points and we will plan accordingly,” he said. “We are mentally and physically ready.”
Captain Atlanson Kharmaw was short and to the point. “We’ll go all out from the beginning. We are ready and confident of winning.”
A celebration of Meghalaya football
The semifinals brought a full house to the SSA Stadium, with fans of all four clubs creating an electric atmosphere. Friday is expected to be no different as Nongkseh’s large and loyal following will go up against a Langsning fanbase that has grown louder and more passionate with every match this season.
The SSA ticket counter opens at 1pm on Friday. After weeks of competition and 33 teams chasing the dream, the journey now comes down to one match, one trophy and one champion.
