SHILLONG, Oct 26: The trophy for the second edition of the SSA Champions Cup 2026 was unveiled on Monday, just over a week before the tournament gets underway, with all 10 participating clubs receiving financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each.
The unveiling was led by Shillong Sports Association (SSA) president and MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh in the presence of association officials, players and representatives of the participating teams. The financial assistance is intended to reward the clubs for qualifying and help them prepare for the competition.
The Champions Cup brings together the champions and runners-up from all five divisions of the SSA’s men’s football structure. The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format from November 3, with the final scheduled for early December.To promote a more competitive balance, clubs from the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions can recruit up to five players from other local clubs on loan. Teams from the Shillong Premier League (SPL) and First Division, however, must rely on players already registered with the SSA.
The participating teams are Mawlai and Shillong Lajong from the SPL; Mawkhar and Nongkrem from the First Division; Mawpat and Sohryngkham from the Second Division; Sanmer and Lamlynti from the Third Division; and Mawpdang and Sei La Sap FCC from the Fourth Division.
Defending champions Nongkseh will not feature this time after finishing third in the SPL, ensuring a new winner will be crowned. Shillong Lajong are the only side returning for a second consecutive appearance. They finished runners-up in the inaugural edition, losing 2-1 to Nongkseh after extra time in front of a packed SSA Stadium.
Group A comprises Mawlai, Nongkrem, Mawpat, Lamlynti and Mawpdang, while Group B features Lajong, Mawkhar, Sohryngkham, Sanmer and Sei La Sap. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Mawlai will face Lamlynti in the opening match at 2.30pm on November 3 at the SSA Stadium.