Shillong Premier League: Will Mawlai keep the crown or Lajong take over?

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 14, 2025

Football fans will flock to Polo on Saturday for the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 final, where Mawlai SC and Shillong Lajong FC clash for the title. Kick-off is at 5:30pm under the SSA Stadium floodlights.

This season has been SPL’s biggest, featuring 10 clubs across 89 matches. Defending champions Mawlai seek a third straight title, while Lajong, SPL’s most successful team, aim for their fifth. Mawlai lead with 45 points and need only a draw, while Lajong must win to reclaim the trophy. The champions will receive Rs 6 lakh, the runners-up Rs 3 lakh—double previous prize money.

Mawlai remain unbeaten since promotion in 2019, losing only twice in three seasons. Lajong have failed to beat them in their last four SPL meetings, including the Meghalaya State League final, where Mawlai triumphed on penalties.

At a pre-match press conference, SSA General Secretary Dipshon L Nongbri announced that the Indian national team has been invited to witness the final. He also called for more football grounds to meet growing demand. Mawlai’s Teibor Dohling and Damanbhalang Chyne urged fans to support them, calling the match a final in all but name. Lajong’s Milan Nongkhlaw admitted their recent Bordoloi Trophy campaign left little recovery time but praised the players’ efforts.

Mawlai’s defense has managed just six clean sheets, while Lajong have scored the most (59) and conceded the fewest (9). With everything at stake, expect an electrifying battle for SPL supremacy!