Shillong, Oct 12: The Shillong Sports Association (SSA) Super Cup 2026 will kick off on Tuesday with Nongkseh taking on Sawmer in the first of two playoffs at 2:45pm.
Following the conclusion of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) on Saturday, the focus now shifts to the knockout competition, which was introduced successfully by the SSA last year.
The Super Cup features the top six teams from the SPL 2026 season. Champions Mawlai and runners-up Shillong Lajong have secured direct entry into the semifinals, while Nongkseh, Langsning, Meghalaya Police and Sawmer will compete in the two playoffs for the remaining semifinal spots.
Shillong Lajong enter the tournament as defending champions, having defeated Rangdajied United in the 2025 final. Rangdajied, who finished fifth in the SPL last season, made a memorable run to the final, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of knockout football. They have not qualified for this year’s competition.
Unlike the league format, the Super Cup leaves little room for error, with teams needing to win to progress to the next round. Matches level after 90 minutes will go into extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if the scores remain tied.
With a place in the semifinals at stake, the playoffs will test the participating teams’ ability to handle pressure, maintain their stamina and deliver when it matters most, adding another competitive chapter to Shillong’s football season.
