Shillong, Nov 10: Mawpat fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Mawpdang in their Group A encounter of the SSA Champions Cup 2026 at the SSA Stadium here on Monday.
Donlad Diengdoh gave Mawpdang a dream start with goals in the first and 13th minutes, but Mawpat gradually worked their way back into the contest. Dajiedlang Wanshnong (45’) pulled one back just before half-time before Donboklang Lyngdoh restored parity in the 59th minute.
The result marked Mawpdang’s first appearance in the tournament and their return to an SSA competition since winning the U-20 Fourth Division in July 2026. They made an immediate impression through Donlad, one of several players brought in on loan for the competition under the tournament rules. Atlanson Kharmaw, Manbhalang Nongmin and Dibinroy Nongspung were among the other recruits who added experience to their defensive set-up.
Mawpat, meanwhile, were playing their second match after opening their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Nongkrem last week. They had also come from behind in that encounter, but were unable to complete another comeback with a winning goal this time.
Mawpdang took the lead barely a minute into the match when Donlad found the net with his right foot. Their advantage doubled in the 13th minute after Jonathan Kharbani won possession from Mawpat’s Terry Khongsti on the right and delivered a cross into the box. Donlad timed his run well and headed the ball into the net.
Mawpat responded with attacking intent and came close to reducing the deficit when Oliver Pale fired just over the crossbar following a poor clearance. Balamlynti Khongjee also threatened, striking the outside of the net after half an hour.
Mawpdang goalkeeper Embhahlang Khongnoh was called into action on several occasions. He punched away a cross before Dajiedlang could reach it, and then recovered to save Reform Pale’s attempt as Mawpat continued to press.
Mawpdang also had opportunities to extend their lead. After setting up the second goal, Jonathan had two attempts during one attacking move, while Dibinroy Nongspung tried his luck as well. However, Mawpat’s defence blocked the efforts before clearing the danger.
Mawpdang appeared set to take their two-goal advantage into the break, but Mawpat found a lifeline in the 45th minute. Dajiedlang and Embhahlang collided while attempting to reach a ball inside the penalty area, and the ball crossed the goal line to make it 2-1.
Mawpat carried their momentum into the second half and were rewarded in the 59th minute. Donboklang capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the equaliser, bringing the teams level.
Most of the second-half opportunities fell to Mawpat, although Mawpdang came close to regaining the lead when Banaijingshai Kharkongor sent in a cross from the left. Lamshai Jana met it on the run with a volley, but his effort struck the crossbar.
Dajiedlang had two further opportunities to give Mawpat the lead. Embhahlang collected his first attempt, while the forward took too long to act on the second, allowing Mawpdang to recover defensively and close down the opportunity.
The draw leaves both sides with a point from the encounter.
In the next Group A fixture, Lamlynti will take on Nongkrem at 2:30pm on Tuesday. Lamlynti lost their opening match 3-0 to Mawlai, while Nongkrem were beaten 2-1 by Mawpat.
