Shillong, Feb 2: Mawlai SC etched their name into Meghalaya football history by clinching their first-ever Meghalaya State League (MSL) title, overcoming Shillong Lajong FC 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex Stadium on Saturday.
With thousands of passionate spectators in attendance, the high-stakes final saw 90 minutes of regulation play and 30 minutes of extra time fail to produce a breakthrough, as both teams battled fiercely but remained deadlocked. The match was ultimately decided by penalties, adding to the suspense of the evening.
Lajong, who had previously survived a shootout in the semifinals against Rymbai Shkenshynriah, were unable to repeat their success this time. The turning point came when Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare denied Firstborn Roy Khongsti’s third penalty attempt for Lajong—sealing the fate of the match in Mawlai’s favour.
Mawlai SC received a winners’ cheque of Rs. 5 lakh and the coveted MSL trophy, which was presented by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, in the presence of Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) President Hamletson Dohling, MFA General Secretary Sunesh Syiem, and other distinguished guests. Lajong, the runners-up, were awarded Rs. 3 lakh for their spirited campaign.
Since its inception in 2017, the MSL has been a flagship tournament conceptualized by the MFA and supported by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya. It brings together the state’s best clubs from various district associations, and this season, 24 teams competed for the prestigious title.
This year’s final was particularly special as it was held in Wahiajer for the first time, aligning with the MSL’s mission to expand the reach of football across Meghalaya. Additionally, Tyrsad also made its debut as a host venue during the group stage, further emphasizing the league’s commitment to grassroots development.
Mawlai’s triumph continues an emerging pattern in the MSL’s history, where each edition has produced a different champion. Niaw Wasa United won the inaugural title, followed by Shillong Lajong (2019) and Rangdajied United (2023). While Shillong-based clubs have dominated the tournament, this year saw fierce competition from non-capital teams, with Ladthadlaboh and Rymbai Shkenshynriah pushing Mawlai and Lajong to their limits in the semifinals.
Mawlai’s journey to the top has been remarkable. The club did not even feature in the first two MSL editions, as they were working their way back to the Shillong Premier League (SPL), which they rejoined in 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed their return to competitive football, but once they were back, they won the SPL title in 2022 and successfully defended it in 2023. Under the guidance of coach Hering Shangpliang, Mawlai has now added the MSL 2024 title to their growing list of accolades, cementing their status as one of Meghalaya’s top clubs.
Although the match ended goalless in regulation time, Mawlai came agonizingly close to sealing the victory in extra time. They struck the crossbar twice, with captain Brolington Warlarpih seeing his effort denied in the dying moments. Fittingly, it was Warlarpih who stepped up to take the decisive penalty, holding his nerve to secure Mawlai’s win.
The ‘Player of the Final’ award went to Lajong’s Iohborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi, while Mawlai players swept the remaining accolades. The ‘Golden Glove’ for best goalkeeper was awarded to Lambhamiki Lamare, the ‘Golden Boot’ for top scorer went to Khrawkupar Jana, who netted 12 goals, and the ‘Golden Ball’ for player of the tournament was given to Damanbhalang Chyne.
While the 5th Meghalaya State League is still months away, the district leagues—which determine the participants—are already in full swing. Over just four editions, the MSL has elevated football standards across Meghalaya, giving clubs and players a platform to chase glory, improve their game, and compete for significant rewards. For now, Mawlai SC reign supreme as the undisputed Champions of Meghalaya, but the journey to the next title race has already begun.
