Shillong, Oct 13: Nongkseh produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Sawmer 4-2 in the opening playoff of the SSA Super Cup 2026 at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday, recovering from two deficits to secure their place in the semifinals.
Hardy Cliff Nongbri scored twice in the 54th and 71st minutes, while substitute Shano Tariang struck in the 67th and 69th minutes to complete Nongkseh’s comeback. Khrawkupar Tamu, from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, and Bickyson Kharkongor in the 57th minute were on target for Sawmer.
Nongkseh will now face Shillong Premier League 2026 champions Mawlai in the semifinals on Friday.
The SSA Super Cup features the top six teams from the SPL 2026 in a knockout competition. Mawlai and runners-up Shillong Lajong have received direct entry to the semifinals, while the remaining four teams compete in the playoffs for the other two spots.
Nongkseh, who finished third in the SPL, dominated the opening exchanges against sixth-placed Sawmer but struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity came in the 11th minute when Hardy headed narrowly wide.
Sawmer, who had found it difficult to threaten in the early stages, took the lead against the run of play. Bickyson forced Nongkseh goalkeeper Daraphun Talang into a save in the 35th minute before a foul inside the penalty area gave Sawmer a spot-kick moments later. Khrawkupar calmly converted, sending the ball down the middle as Daraphun dived to his right.
Sawmer carried their 1-0 advantage into half-time, but Nongkseh drew level nine minutes after the restart. Hardy rose to head home following a corner, giving his side renewed hope.
However, Sawmer restored their lead in spectacular fashion just three minutes later. Bickyson twisted and unleashed a shot from an extremely tight angle on the right flank, producing a remarkable finish that left the Nongkseh defence stunned.
The goal was particularly notable as Nongkseh had not conceded more than once in any Shillong Premier League match this season before the Super Cup encounter.
Sawmer’s advantage proved short-lived, however, as Shano’s introduction changed the course of the contest. He capitalised on a defensive mistake to equalise in the 67th minute before scoring again two minutes later, finishing with his left foot after receiving a pass from Aenam Jyrwa.
Having taken the lead for the first time, Nongkseh continued to press and secured the result in the 71st minute. Hardy took advantage of another defensive lapse to score his second goal of the afternoon and complete the 4-2 victory.
The second playoff will be held on Wednesday with Langsning taking on Meghalaya Police at 2:45pm. Langsning finished fourth and Meghalaya Police fifth in the SPL 2026, with the winner set to meet Shillong Lajong in the second semifinal on Saturday.
