Football fans are eagerly waiting for the final match of the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final, which will decide this year’s champion. The much-anticipated clash between Mawlai SC and Shillong Lajong FC will take place at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, under the floodlights at 5:30 PM today.
This season has been the biggest yet, with 10 teams competing across 89 matches for the trophy. The Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final will be the 90th and most crucial game of the season.
Mawlai Aiming for a Hat-Trick, Lajong Seeking Their Fifth Title
Mawlai SC, the defending champions, have won the 2022 and 2023 editions and are aiming for their third consecutive title in the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final. However, Shillong Lajong FC remains the most successful club in SPL history, having won the championship four times, with their last victory in 2019.
The winner of the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final will receive a prize of Rs 6 lakh, while the runners-up will get Rs 3 lakh—double the amount of previous seasons, showing how much the league has grown in importance.
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Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the League
After Lajong’s last title win in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a disruption, leading to the cancellation of two SPL editions. Mawlai had to wait for their return to the top division, but since their comeback, they have been unstoppable. In their 38 SPL matches across 2022, 2023, and 2024, they have lost only two times and remain undefeated this season.
Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Points Table
| Rank | Team | MP | W | D | L | Pts | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mawlai | 17 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 45 | 54 | 13 | 41 |
| 2 | Shillong Lajong | 17 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 42 | 59 | 9 | 50 |
| 3 | Rangdajied Utd | 18 | 11 | 2 | 5 | 35 | 46 | 12 | 34 |
| 4 | Nangkiew Irat | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 26 | 32 | 32 | 0 |
| 5 | Laitkor | 18 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 25 | 28 | 25 | 3 |
| 6 | Langsning | 18 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 24 | 27 | 35 | -8 |
| 7 | Nongrim Hills | 18 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 21 | 33 | 44 | -11 |
| 8 | Sawmer | 18 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 18 | 24 | 38 | -14 |
| 9 | Nongthymmai | 18 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 11 | 22 | 52 | -30 |
| 10 | Ryntih | 18 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 6 | 16 | 81 | -65 |
Going into the final match, Mawlai is at the top of the table with 45 points, while Lajong follows closely behind with 42 points. Mawlai only needs a draw to retain their title, but Lajong must win to claim the championship.
However, history is against Lajong. They have failed to beat Mawlai in their last four OC Blue SPL encounters. Mawlai also defeated them in the Meghalaya State League final in February, although that match was decided on penalties.
Lajong Coach Aiming for the Title
Even if Lajong finishes second, it will be their best SPL result in three seasons. But their coach, Bobby L Nongbet, is determined to go all the way in the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final. He faces a tough opponent in Mawlai’s coach, Hering Shangpliang, who has already led his team to victory in SPL 2023 and MSL 2024.
Mawlai’s Tough Road to the Final
Despite their unbeaten record, Mawlai has not had an easy journey in the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final. In their previous match against Laitkor SC, they could have secured the title with a win. However, the newly promoted side put up a strong fight, forcing a draw and taking the title race to the final match.
Pre-Match Press Conference Highlights
At a pre-match press conference ahead of the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final, SSA General Secretary Dipshon L Nongbri revealed that the Indian national football team has been invited to watch the final. The Blue Tigers are currently in Shillong for two international matches. He also thanked the government for investing in sports infrastructure and emphasized the need for more football grounds in Shillong.
Mawlai official Teibor Dohling urged fans to support the team, admitting that they had missed a chance to secure the title earlier. Player Damanbhalang Chyne described the Laitkor match as a wake-up call but said it has motivated the squad for the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final.
For Shillong Lajong, team official Milan Nongkhlaw shared that their players recently competed in the Bordoloi Trophy in Assam, leaving them with little time to rest before the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final. Goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai, who played for Mawlai last season, expressed excitement about facing his former club in the title decider.
A High-Stakes Clash with Everything on the Line
Both teams are under immense pressure ahead of the Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final. While Mawlai doesn’t need to win, relying on defense might not be the best strategy since they have only six clean sheets in 17 matches. On the other hand, Lajong has scored the most goals this season (59) and conceded the least (9), making them a dangerous attacking side.
The stage is set for an intense Shillong Premier League 2024-2025 Final between two of Shillong’s most dominant football teams. Will Mawlai complete their hat-trick, or will Lajong reclaim their fifth SPL title? Fans will soon find out in what promises to be an unforgettable match.
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