Shillong (Meghalaya), June 4: First-time finalists Nongkseh SSCC and Langsning FC will battle for the 5th Meghalaya State League title at SSA Stadium on Friday at 6 pm, with the clash streamed live on the Hello Meghalaya app.
The MSL, launched in 2017 by the Meghalaya Football Association and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs to unearth local talent, has never seen a repeat champion in four editions. That streak will continue Friday as neither Nongkseh nor Langsning have reached a final before.
Thirty-three teams started the campaign this year. The semifinals showed Meghalaya’s football passion at full volume, with SSA Stadium packed as Nongkseh beat Rymbai Shkenshynriah and Langsning edged Shillong Lajong. MFA President Hamletson Dohling unveiled the winner’s and runner’s trophies today alongside the captains and coaches and urged fans to turn out for the decider.
Nongkseh arrive unbeaten in MSL 5 and undefeated in local competitions since 2025. “We have prepared well and trust our players will lift the trophy,” said coach Richard Nongneng. Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri, one of several in the debut MSL squad with higher-level experience, said, “All the players are fit. We’ll work hard and implement what we’ve trained.”
Langsning carry memories of a December SSA Champions Cup semifinal where they led 2-0 early before Nongkseh fought back to win on penalties. Coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh isn’t looking back: “Nongkseh are strong but have weak points. We’ll plan accordingly. We’re mentally and physically ready.” Skipper Atlanson Kharmaw was direct: “We’ll go all out from the beginning. We are ready and confident of winning.”
Langsning’s last MSL high was a 2017 semifinal run. They believe they can halt Nongkseh’s streak. Nongkseh’s supporters have been the league’s most consistent, but Langsning’s fans made their presence felt against Lajong.
