Shillong, May 10 : With the 104 group matches done, the 5th Meghalaya State League enters a new phase on Monday as 16 teams begin their Round of 16 clashes across seven venues in a straight knockout format. The preliminary rounds are over, and the second stage promises tighter contests with no room for error.
The day opens at 1pm at Shillong’s SSA Stadium where Group B winners Nangkiew Irat SC meet Group A runners-up Khimusniang SC in what is arguably the most intriguing tie. Nangkiew Irat had a smooth run to top their group, but Khimusniang — West Jaintia District Super Division 2025 champions — pushed title favourites Nongkseh SSCC hard in Group A and will be keen to upset the Shillong side. Nongkseh play later at the same venue at 5:30pm against Group B runners-up Mawphu SC from Sohra. While Mawphu have talent in their ranks, getting past Nongkseh would be a major upset.
Defending champions Mawlai SC face Thangskai Tiger SC at Ladjaplem, Amlarem, at 2pm. Mawlai topped Group C despite missing several top players during the group stage due to I-League 3 commitments, but the squad is back to full strength now. Thangskai, second in Group D and a strong side from East Jaintia Hills, should provide a solid test. Group D winners Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC, unbeaten with five wins and a draw and semifinalists in MSL 4, take on Amlarem SC at Deinchynrum, Khliehriat. Amlarem finished second to Mawlai in Group C.
Former champions Shillong Lajong FC, who won all six Group E games in Wahiajer, host Group F runners-up Mishon SSCC at the Wahiajer Sports Complex at 2pm. Lajong won the MSL in 2019 and were runners-up last edition. Group F winners Langsning FC, one of Meghalaya’s historically strongest clubs yet to lift the MSL, meet Lumphyrnai Sohphoh FC of Group E at Dommawlum, Mairang.
Two other ties look wide open. At Williamnagar, Group G toppers Janepih YSCA, who lost just once in the group stage, face 2023 MSL winners Rangdajied United FC, runners-up in Group H. Rangdajied have had a difficult run but will look to turn it around. In Mawkyrwat, Group H winners Seng Samla Umdang Pyllun take on Maram FC, the only remaining Garo Hills side and Group G runners-up. Umdang Pyllun, Rangdajied, and Mawten all finished on 8 points, with Mawten missing out on head-to-head results.
Six of Monday’s matches kick off at 2pm, while SSA Stadium hosts a double-header at 1pm and 5:30pm. Winners progress to the Round of 8, which will have two groups of four in a second round robin stage.
