Shillong: Mawlai SC etched their name in history by clinching the 4th Meghalaya State League (MSL) 2024 title with a nail-biting 5-4 victory in a penalty shootout against Shillong Lajong FC at the Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex Stadium.
Their years of dedication, discipline, and hard work culminated in a triumphant moment, with thousands of passionate fans witnessing the dramatic final.
The match remained goalless after 90 minutes of regulation time and an additional 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the two best teams of the season into a high-stakes tiebreaker.
Having won their semifinal via penalties against Rymbai Shkenshynriah, Lajong had hoped to replicate their success, but Mawlai’s goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare proved decisive, blocking Firstborn Roy Khongsti’s spot kick—an intervention that ultimately secured Mawlai’s victory.
The championship trophy and a prize of Rs 5 lakh were presented to Mawlai SC 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 dignitaries. Lajong FC, the runners-up, received Rs 3 lakh for their commendable campaign.
Since its inception in 2017, the MSL has been a flagship initiative of the MFA, supported by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.
This year’s edition saw participation from 24 teams across various district associations, reinforcing the league’s mission to bring high-quality football to different corners of the state.
The 2024 final in Wahiajer marked the first time the tournament was hosted in the town, while Tyrsad also debuted as a group stage venue.
Mawlai SC’s victory continued the MSL’s trend of producing new champions in each edition. Niaw Wasa United won the inaugural title, followed by Lajong in 2019, Rangdajied United in 2023, and now Mawlai.
While Shillong-based clubs have dominated, competition from other districts remains fierce, with Ladthadlaboh and Rymbai Shkenshynriah pushing Mawlai and Lajong to the brink in the semifinals.
For Mawlai, their ascent has been remarkable. Absent from the first two MSL editions, they only regained promotion to the Shillong Premier League (SPL) in 2020.
The Covid-19 pandemic delayed their return, but they emerged stronger, winning the SPL title in 2022 and successfully defending it in 2023.
Under coach Hering Shangpliang, Mawlai has now added the MSL 2024 crown to their growing list of accolades.
The final came alive in extra time as Mawlai relentlessly attacked in pursuit of a winner. Twice, they struck the crossbar, with captain Brolington Warlarpih nearly sealing the game before stepping up to convert the decisive penalty.
Individual honors were also awarded, with Lajong’s Iohborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi named Player of the Final.
Mawlai players swept the remaining awards: Lambhamiki Lamare won the Golden Glove for Best Goalkeeper, Khrawkupar Jana claimed the Golden Boot as the top scorer with 12 goals, and Damanbhalang Chyne received the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament.
As district leagues begin to determine participants for the 5th MSL, the impact of the tournament is evident. Over four editions, the MSL has elevated Meghalaya’s footballing standards, providing players and clubs with opportunities for honor, glory, and financial rewards.
With the passion for football growing stronger, the quest to be crowned Champions of Meghalaya continues.
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