Shillong, March 16: Shillong Lajong FC pulled out something special to defeat Mawlai SC 2-1 in the last match of the OC Blue Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2024 on Saturday evening to lift the title for the fifth time.

The title was Mawlai’s for the taking. They had been undefeated in all 17 previous matches, were leading the table for the bulk of the season and needed just a draw from this game to claim a third consecutive OC Blue SPL trophy. The vast majority of the thousands of fans who thronged the SSA Stadium were there to cheer them on. But they don’t call football the beautiful game for nothing and Lajong mounted an astounding fight back that saw them beat Mawlai for the first time since the latter returned to the SPL in 2022.

Abhay Chettri (10’) scored his only goal of the season to put SLFC in front and Samchaphrang Lato (76’) then netted his third in as many matches to double the lead. With time ticking by, the game could have petered out but Mawlai pulled one back with a Damanbhalang Chyne (88′) penalty and that meant that everyone – spectators and both dugouts – were on their feet for the final few minutes.

At the conclusion of the match, both sides ended up with points leveled, of what was a mammoth season. Lajong and Mawlai, easily the best two clubs this year, finished on 45 points each. SLFC had lost their lone game to Nangkiew Irat SC in November, otherwise they too had been unbeaten. Based on head-to-head, Lajong took the OC Blue SPL trophy but they also had the better goal difference to boot.

The tall defender Abhay headed in a corner to put Lajong in front but that also had the effect of concentrating the minds of the Mawlai players. No longer could they sit back and try and soak up the pressure – they now had to go for goals.

Both sides came close on numerous occasions after that. Mawlai’s best hopes rested in Donlad Diengdoh, who had a freebie handed to him but Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai threw himself forwards to block the ball with his body. Kevin Rymbai probably missed the best chance of the match, with his half volley sliding just over the crossbar.

Lajong also put Mawlai under further pressure but keeper Lambhamiki Lamare made three fantastic saves in the second half. That is before Samchaphrang scored off a beautiful Babysunday Marngar cross.

The drama was not over, however, as substitute Khrawkupar Jana was cut down in the Lajong box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Coolly and calmly, Damanbhalang stepped up and slammed the ball past Siwel and Mawlai had their hopes restored, though ultimately they were left brokenhearted, while Lajong celebrated a fifth SPL title, with their previous triumphs coming in 2014-16 and 2019.

As champions of the OC Blue SPL 2024, Lajong received Rs 6 lakh, while Mawlai took home Rs 3 lakh as runners-up. The cheques and the champions’ trophy were presented by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Shakliar Warjri.

For his 20 goals this season, Deibormame was honoured as the Top Scorer and received a memento from Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling. Other dignitaries present included senior members of the SSA, Meghalaya State Olympic Association and Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

To further support the OC Blue SPL, the pinnacle of the SSA’s pyramid of men’s football and the league that has done most to provide players for the state team, Warjri also handed over a letter from the state government sanctioning Rs 8 lakh for the SSA. The association’s General Secretary, Dipshon L Nongbri, thanked the minister and the Chief Minister for continuing to support local football for the benefit of Meghalaya’s youth.

The minister also lowered the SSA flag and declared the 2024 season closed. After a brief interval, the 2025 football season will begin, with the registration of clubs and transfer of players before the U-20 Fourth Division begins in June.

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