SHILLONG : Mawpat staged an impressive comeback after trailing by two goals to secure a 2-2 draw against Mawpdang in their Group A encounter of the SSA Champions Cup 2026 at the SSA Stadium on Tuesday.

Mawpdang made a dream start to the match, with Donlad Diengdoh scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes to put his side firmly in control. However, Mawpat fought their way back into the contest, with Dajiedlang Wanshnong reducing the deficit just before half-time in the 45th minute.

Mawpat completed their comeback in the 59th minute when Donboklang Lyngdoh found the equaliser, ensuring both teams shared the points after an entertaining encounter.

The match witnessed tremendous support from both sets of fans, who were treated to an exciting display of football from start to finish.

The match marked Mawpdang’s first appearance in this year’s tournament and their return to an SSA competition since winning the U-20 Fourth Division in July. Donlad, who was among the players brought in on loan for the tournament under the competition rules, made an immediate impact with his two goals.

Mawpdang also benefited from the experience of their other loan signings, Atlanson Kharmaw, Manbhalang Nongmin and Dibinroy Nongspung, who strengthened the team’s defensive setup.

Mawpat, meanwhile, entered the match as Second Division champions and were playing their second game of the tournament following a 2-1 victory over Nongkrem last week. They had also fallen behind in that encounter before staging a comeback to win, but this time they had to settle for a draw.

Mawpdang took the lead almost immediately after kick-off when Donlad found the back of the net with his right foot in the first minute. He doubled the advantage in the 13th minute after Jonathan Kharbani won possession from Mawpat’s Terry Khongsti before delivering a cross from the right flank. Donlad rose to meet it with a header, sending the ball into the left side of the net.

Despite falling two goals behind, Mawpat continued to push forward in search of a response. Oliver Pale came close with an effort that went just over the crossbar following a poor clearance by Mawpdang, while Balamlynti Khongjee struck the outside of the net after 30 minutes.

Mawpdang goalkeeper Embhahlang Khongnoh was called into action on several occasions, punching away a dangerous cross before Dajiedlang Wanshnong could reach it. The ball, however, remained in play, allowing Reform Pale to attempt a shot, which Embhahlang also managed to save.

Mawpdang continued to threaten through Jonathan, who had two attempts during one attacking move, while Dibinroy Nongspung also tried his luck. However, Mawpat’s defence managed to block the efforts and clear the danger.

Just when Mawpdang appeared set to take a comfortable two-goal advantage into half-time, Mawpat found a breakthrough. Dajiedlang and Embhahlang collided while attempting to reach the ball inside the penalty area, and the ball crossed the goal line to make it 2-1.

Mawpat dominated much of the attacking play after the interval and their persistence paid off in the 59th minute. Donboklang Lyngdoh capitalised on a defensive lapse by Mawpdang to score the equaliser and bring his team back on level terms.

Mawpdang struggled to create clear opportunities in the second half and were largely restricted to long-range attempts. However, they came close to restoring their lead when Banaijingshai Kharkongor delivered a beautiful cross from the left, which Lamshai Jana met on the run with a volley that crashed against the crossbar.

Mawpat had further opportunities to snatch all three points, with Dajiedlang getting two chances to score the winning goal. His first effort was collected by Embhahlang, while he hesitated too long with his second opportunity, allowing Mawpdang’s defenders to recover and prevent the attack.

Despite late attempts from both sides, neither team could find a winner as the contest ended 2-2.