Shillong Lajong opens Meghalaya State League with commanding 9-0 win over 7 Wasa United

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 26, 2024

Shillong Lajong delivered a resounding 9-0 victory over 7 Wasa United in the opening match of the 4th Meghalaya State League (MSL) 2024, thrilling thousands of fans gathered at the Wahiajer Multi Sports Complex Stadium on Saturday.

Leading the charge, Deibormame Tongper secured a hat-trick (36’, 45’+2, 56’) in an unforgettable performance, with strong contributions from his teammates: Yohaan Benjamin (16’), Iohborlang L. Lyngkhoi (18’P), Mebannangkiew Thabah (48’, 50’), Babysunday Marngar (90’+2), and Emanbha Marbaniang (90’+4), each adding to Lajong’s dominant display.

This was the first-ever MSL meeting between the two former champions – 7 Wasa, who won the inaugural title in January 2018, and Lajong, the champions of December 2019.

In a move to expand the league’s reach, Wahiajer Stadium was chosen as one of the new venues, with the opening event organized by the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) and supported by the Dorbar Shnong and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.

Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar, as the chief guest, commended the MFA for bringing the MSL opener to Wahiajer and acknowledging the state’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure.

“Meghalaya now has numerous artificial turfs, modern athletics tracks and other sports facilities,” Dhar said. “This area has always been a football factory and this should continue. Football is not just an activity for keeping fit but a career option and big industry today.” 

In his introductory speech, MFA President Shri Hamletson Dohling thanked the state government for its continued support, without which the tournament could not take place. 

“The MFA is earnestly working to promote football throughout the state for the benefit of the youth,” he said while referring to the new Meghalaya Youth League and the inclusion of more district sports associations. 

“We want Meghalaya to produce more notable players and become a football powerhouse,” he added. 

Lajong’s impressive offensive play overwhelmed 7 Wasa’s defence, netting four goals in the first half and five in the second, leaving the crowd in awe of their top-tier performance.

The MSL continues on Monday with matches scheduled across five groups, all set to begin at 2 pm.

• Group A (Tura): Chipakkore vs Atong Matgrik
• Group B (Mawkyrwat): Mawten vs Khliehmawlieh 
• Group C (Tyrsad): no matches scheduled
• Group D (Khliehriat): Rymbai Skhenshynriah vs Rangdajied United
• Group E (Wahiajer): Seinbhalang Skhentalang vs Mawtari Myrdon
• Group F (Shillong): Mawlai vs Seng Samla Mawmluh