Mawkasiang lift SSA U-20 4th Division trophy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 18, 2025

Mawkasiang emerged as the U-20 Fourth Division 2025 champions after defeating Mawlynrei 3-1 on penalties in a thrilling final of the Shillong Sports Association’s tournament at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Saturday.

The full 80 minutes ended 2-2, and extra time produced no goals. The tense match went to penalties, where Mawkasiang were clinical, converting all three spot kicks, while Mawlynrei failed to score from their three attempts.

Mawlynrei appeared on the verge of victory until Hame-dao Nongtdu struck in the first minute of stoppage time (80’+1). With the fourth official having signalled three minutes of added time, a Mawlynrei foul near the box presented Mawkasiang a lifeline. Hame’s free-kick hit the woodwork, rebounded off the goalkeeper, and crossed the line, sending the match into a shootout.

Earlier, Mawlynrei had fought back after going behind early. Mawkasiang took the lead in the fourth minute when Melbert Kharbangar reacted to a high rebound from an indirect free-kick to lob the ball over Mawlynrei keeper Stevenson Kharsyntiew. Mawlynrei equalised in the 24th minute through Banrap Dohling, who converted a one-on-one chance after a pass from Elvinson Kharsohnoh.

The second half brought drama when a Mawkasiang player received a red card following an on-field altercation, leaving the champions with 10 men. Mawlynrei capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Elvinson scoring in the 51st minute from a left-side cross. Despite being a man down, Mawkasiang’s Hame-dao Nongtdu delivered the crucial free-kick that forced penalties.

Extra time saw Mawlynrei appeal for a penalty, but their protest escalated, resulting in one of their own players being sent off.

The Fourth Division—and the SSA’s 2025 football season—was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in June. With financial support from the state government, the SSA continues to organise tournaments across youth, senior men, and women’s categories. The Third Division has reached the quarterfinal stage, the Shillong Premier League is underway, and the Second Division will kick off on Monday.

At the prize distribution ceremony, SSA and Meghalaya Football Association dignitaries, including Presidents Banteidor Lyngdoh and Hamletson Dohling, were present. The champions received Rs 60,000, while the runners-up took home Rs 30,000. Farbious Marbaniang was named Player of the Final for saving two penalties in the shootout, and Phasdonlang Hynniewta, with nine goals including two hat-tricks for Mawphlang, earned the Top Scorer award.

Both finalists, Mawkasiang and Mawlynrei, along with semifinalists Lummawbah and Lapalang, will be promoted to next season’s Third Division.