Shillong, Oct 11: Having begun back in July and having since witnessed truly entertaining and exhilarating sport, the next generation of state footballers are all set to contest the U-14 and U-16 finals of the first ever Meghalaya Youth League 2024. Both games will take place on Friday at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here, with the U-14 kick-off at 11am followed by the U-16 title match at 2pm.

The U-14 title match will be between West Jaintia District Sports Association and Nongstoin District Sports Association, while that of the U-16 category will see Shillong Sports Association take on Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association.

The tournament is the brainchild of the Meghalaya Football Association and has been supported throughout by the Government of Meghalaya.

It all began in July with the preliminary rounds taking place in four zones around Meghalaya. Played mainly on Saturdays and with the vagaries of the monsoon weather to contend with, the young boys gave it their all as they strived to make it to the knockouts.

West Jaintia dominated Zone B, winning all eight of their round robin matches before edging Pyndengumiong District Sports Association in the quarterfinals on penalties. They then required another tiebreaker against Shillong SA in Wednesday’s semifinal.

Nongstoin were almost as dominant in Zone D, winning seven, drawing two and losing one of their 10 matches. They were then involved in an intense quarterfinal against Amlarem Block Sports Association, which Nongstoin won 3-2 in extra time. On Wednesday, they got past Ri-Bhoi DSA 1-0 in the semis.

U-16 finalists Shillong SA and Ri-Bhoi DSA have already met in the round robin stage as they both emerged from Zone C. Ri-Bhoi had topped the zone by 20 points to Shillong’s 19 and their only meeting (their second was washed out) ended in a 3-2 victory for Ri-Bhoi.

Both teams delivered strong performances in the knockouts as well.

RBDSA beat North Garo Hills District Sports Association 5-2 in the quarters and Nongstoin 3-2 in the semis while Shillong defeated Williamnagar District Sports Association 2-0 in the QFs and trounced West Jaintia 4-1 in the semifinals.

The tremendous journey of these four teams will now culminate in the finals and the MFA has made entry to the ground free to encourage as many family, friends and fans to come and cheer for the future stars of Meghalaya football.