Shillong, October 20: The beautiful game delivered a stunning result with Langsning becoming the champions of the Shillong Premier League 2025 after Mawlai were held to a 1-1 draw by Rangdajied United in the last match of the season this evening.
Langsning played their last match on 14 October and had to wait for not one but two other results to go their way – Shillong Lajong drew 0-0 with Nangkiew Irat on Saturday and today Mawlai were unable to beat Rangdajied. The players will have to wait a little while before getting their hands on the trophy, with the prize distribution ceremony to happen at a later date.
The odds were against them but Langsning’s dreams came true as the fireworks lit up the skies around the SSA Stadium in Polo. Langsning ended the SPL 2025 with 20 points, with Lajong second on 19 and Mawlai third, also on 19. This is Langsning’s third SPL title after winning back-to-back in 2017 and 2018.
It was also a remarkable turnaround in form after they finished a poor sixth in SPL 2024. Coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh retained a few key men, such as Dajiedlang Wanshnong, Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Chusrang Sangma and Manbhalang Nongmin, and strengthened the team with key signings, such as club top scorer Donlad Diengdoh, Apborlang Kurbah and a couple of impressive youngsters like Samuel Phawa and Wanshwadame Diengdoh.
This new-look Langsning took a little time to settle in. They were always trailing this season behind Nangkiew Irat, Lajong and Mawlai but at the very end it was they that finished at the head of the pack. They won just one out of their first three games of the season but finished strongly with four wins on the trot.
Today Mawlai took the lead in the 50th minute when Ricky Chyne scored from a corner but RUFC pulled level in the 58th through Pasborlang Khonglikong.
Mawlai had the edge in terms of attack but could not make enough of their opportunities stick. Rangdajied goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer twice had to make brilliant saves in the first quarter of the game but the custodian almost conceded one before half time when he spilled a high ball into the path of Banraplang Pyngrope, who somehow failed to hit the target, instead sending the ball onto the crossbar.
On reflection, Mawlai’s strategy of fast-paced play may have been the wrong move as they appeared to be in too much of a hurry, especially as the clock ticked by in the second half. A little more calmness and consideration perhaps could have led them to find a winning goal.
For their part, Rangdajied did not sit back and looked to take the game to Mawlai but with few real chances. Nevertheless, a draw moved them up to fifth place in the standings.
The Top 6 in the SPL 2025 – Langsning, Lajong, Mawlai, Nangkiew Irat, Rangdajied and Sawmer – have qualified for the new Shillong Super Cup. Champions Langsning and runners-up Lajong go through to the semifinals directly, while the other four will battle it out in playoffs first. Details of this will be released by the Shillong Sports Association soon.
