Shillong, Nov 3: Mawlai SC made a convincing start to their SSA Champions Cup 2026 campaign, defeating Lamlynti FC 3-0 in the tournament’s opening match at the SSA Stadium on Tuesday.
Damanbhalang Chyne (21′), Ricky Chyne (27′) and Arkibor Makhroh (48′) scored for the Shillong Premier League (SPL) champions in the Group A encounter.
Before kick-off, senior officials of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA), led by Working President Robert Dkhar, greeted the players and match officials.
The contest presented a tough challenge for Lamlynti, who finished runners-up in the Third Division, against a Mawlai side coming into the competition as SPL champions. Mawlai, however, lived up to expectations, controlling proceedings and putting their opponents under pressure from the outset.
Damanbhalang opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a curling effort from the left that beat Lamlynti goalkeeper Nister Roy Suting, who is on loan from Langsning FC. Six minutes later, Ricky doubled the advantage with a shot from a more central position, finding the net at the goalkeeper’s left.
Damanbhalang came close to adding another with a volley that sailed over the crossbar, while Lamlynti managed only a few half-chances despite their attempts to challenge the more experienced Mawlai side.
Mawlai extended their lead just three minutes into the second half. Having missed an opportunity moments earlier, Lovingstar Suting turned provider with a through ball into the penalty area, allowing Arkibor to finish and make it 3-0.
With a comfortable lead, Mawlai used all five available substitutions to test different combinations. Neither side managed to add to the scoreline, as the match ended with Mawlai securing all three points.
The Group A action continues on Wednesday, when First Division runners-up Nongkrem take on Second Division champions Mawpat at 2:30pm at the SSA Stadium.
