Shillong, March 14: Football fever is set to grip Shillong as fans gather at the SSA Stadium in Polo for the highly anticipated OC Blue Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2024 title decider on Saturday. The final match of the season, kicking off at 5:30 PM, will see defending champions Mawlai SC face off against four-time winners Shillong Lajong FC for the coveted trophy.

This season has been the biggest in the history of the SPL, featuring 10 teams competing across 89 matches, with the 90th and final fixture set to determine the champion. The tournament, organized by the Shillong Sports Association (SSA), stands at the top of Meghalaya’s club football structure, drawing immense local support.

Mawlai SC, the reigning SPL champions, have been a dominant force in recent years, winning the 2022 and 2023 editions. A victory or draw on Saturday will secure their third consecutive title. Lajong, on the other hand, are eager to reclaim their past glory, with their last SPL triumph coming in 2019.

With Rs 6 lakh in prize money for the champions and Rs 3 lakh for the runners-up—double the amount of previous seasons—there is added incentive for both teams.

Mawlai have been nearly unbeatable since their SPL debut in 2022, losing only twice in 38 matches over three seasons. This year, they have remained undefeated, sitting atop the table with 45 points. Their recent draw against newcomers Laitkor SC delayed their title celebrations, setting the stage for this decisive clash.

Lajong, currently second with 42 points, must secure a victory to claim the title. Their recent four-match winless streak against Mawlai in SPL encounters adds to the challenge. The teams also met in the Meghalaya State League (MSL) final in February, where Mawlai emerged victorious in a tense penalty shootout.

Even if they do not win, second place will be Lajong’s best SPL finish in the last three seasons but coach Bobby L Nongbet will certainly be aiming for nothing less than the title. On the other side he is up against one of the most highly regarded and experienced coaches – Hering Shangpliang, who guided Mawlai to the SPL 2023 and MSL 2024 titles; Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh led the team to the SPL 2022 trophy.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, SSA General Secretary Dipshon L Nongbri revealed that the Indian national football team has been invited to witness the high-stakes encounter. He also expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya government, especially Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, for its investment in sports infrastructure while emphasizing the need for more football grounds to accommodate the sport’s growing popularity.

Also present at the press conference were Mawlai official Teibor Dohling and player Damanbhalang Chyne. Urging fans to support the team, Dohling said, “If we had beaten Laitkor we would have been champions already but that is in the past. Everyone in the team has been preparing for this match now, which is like a final.” Damanbhalang Chyne acknowledged that the Laitkor draw was a wake-up call but has only fuelled their determination.

Representing Shillong Lajong, team official Milan Nongkhlaw noted that the squad had a packed schedule, recently competing in the Bordoloi Trophy in Assam, which limited their preparation time. “We have to thank the players for getting us to this point. There were a few matches where we dropped points, but overall, they have done well,” he stated. Goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai, who played for Mawlai in SPL 2023, expressed excitement about facing his former club in such a crucial encounter.

Despite being undefeated, Mawlai’s defense has been breached 13 times, managing only six clean sheets in 17 matches. A purely defensive approach may not be viable, especially against Lajong’s attacking firepower.

Shillong Lajong, the top-scoring team this season with 59 goals, have also been the most solid defensively, conceding only nine goals. With everything on the line, they are expected to play aggressively, knowing that only a victory will secure them the title.

As anticipation builds, both teams face immense pressure, with history, prestige, and silverware at stake. With a packed stadium expected and an electrifying atmosphere guaranteed, football fans brace themselves for an epic SPL 2024 finale.

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