MSL 2024 final: Will Shillong Lajong reclaim the crown or Mawlai make history? Stage set for epic showdown

Shillong, Jan 31: Football fans in Meghalaya are in for an electrifying contest as Mawlai and Shillong Lajong prepare to clash in the highly anticipated final of the 4th Meghalaya State League (MSL) 2024 on Saturday afternoon. The two powerhouse clubs, known for their intense rivalry, will battle for the title in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The final is scheduled for Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex, marking the culmination of an exciting season that began back in October. This year’s competition saw 24 teams—winners from district association leagues affiliated with the Meghalaya Football Association—fight for a place in the ultimate showdown, and now only the best two remain.

For Mawlai, this final represents uncharted territory. The team made its MSL debut in 2023 but fell short in the semifinals against Khliehmawlieh. This time, however, they have their eyes firmly set on making history by claiming their first-ever MSL title.

Shillong Lajong, on the other hand, are no strangers to success. They won the MSL in 2019 and will be aiming to reclaim the crown. Last year, however, they too were eliminated in the semifinals, falling to eventual champions Rangdajied United. Interestingly, despite their shared dominance in local football, this will be the first time that Mawlai and Lajong will meet in an MSL final. Their most recent face-off came in November’s Shillong Premier League, where they played out a tense 1-1 draw.

At the pre-match press conference on Friday, both teams expressed confidence in their preparations.

Lajong assistant coach Milan Nongkhlaw acknowledged Mawlai’s strength but remained optimistic about his team’s chances. “We’ve been preparing all year for this moment. Our semifinal against Rymbai Shkenshynriah was tough, but our boys responded well. Mawlai is one of the most experienced teams in the state, and we respect them. But we are ready,” he said.

Lajong official Rohit Nongspung echoed this sentiment, noting that while the team has performed consistently throughout the tournament, their semifinal—decided via a penalty shootout—was a real test of resilience.

Mawlai assistant coach Teibor Dohling was equally confident, emphasizing that his players are determined to go all the way. “Last time we could not get through to the final but this year our team has prepared well and we are ready to face a very tough team,” Dohling said, adding “the players are all fit and all are hungry to win for the club and our shnong.”

Mawlai’s Damanbhalang Chyne, who scored the decisive goal in their semifinal win over Ladthadlaboh and was named Player of the Match, also spoke about the team’s motivation. “We’ve been preparing well and coach Hering Shangpliang has so much experience and has been guiding us and we know we have to perform our best against one of the best teams in Meghalaya,” he said.

Tickets for the MSL 2024 final will be available at the stadium, and for those unable to attend in person, the match will be streamed live on the ‘Hello Meghalaya’ app.

With two of the state’s finest teams vying for supremacy, fans can expect a pulsating encounter filled with drama, skill, and high-stakes action. Will Mawlai etch their name in MSL history, or will Shillong Lajong reclaim the title? The answer awaits on Saturday.

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