Shillong, August 29: A high octane Shillong Premier League 2025 clash saw Mawlai come out on top as they beat Langsning 1-0 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Banraplang Pyngrope’s 52nd minute header was all that separated the two former champions, though there could have easily been numerous other goals in what was a very exciting match.
Victory moved Mawlai up to second place from fourth. They now have 6 points, three behind leaders Nangkiew Irat, who Mawlai lost to on 21 August. This was Langsning’s first defeat of the season and they dropped to fourth place with 4 points.
Incidentally, Mawlai have now won six of the last seven SPL meetings between these two clubs, with the other result being a draw.
The first half saw both sides test the waters. Loving Suting hammered a long-range shot in the 17th minute straight to Langsning goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh and a minute later Brolington Warlarpih, who made an appearance in the first XI for Mawlai for the first time this season, struck a free-kick into the upright.
Langsning’s Apborlang Kurbah managed to clear a corner off the line later on and in the 36th minute his team had their best chance to go ahead with a handball giving them a free-kick on the edge of the box. However, Atlanson Kharmaw slammed it into the wall of defenders and the scoreline at the break remained 0-0.
Mawlai came out hungrier in the second half, with Langsning’s defence in a bit of disarray. Arkini Laloo headed a corner onto the crossbar and Loving then forced Rajat Paul into making a diving save, with the ball being parried away for a corner. That set-piece resulted in the goal, with Robertson Khongriah’s kick being met by Banraplang’s header at the near post.
From then on Mawlai were dangerous on the counter but had to mainly soak up the pressure as Langsning threw whatever they could to get the equaliser.
Long throw-in expert Chusrang Sangma’s efforts almost led to goals twice for Langsning, while Kevin Rymbai could have done better with the two opportunities he had to score for Mawlai but had one blocked by Rajat Paul and the other he sent wide. Even 10 minutes of stoppage time yielded no joy for Langsning, while Mawlai revelled in a hard-fought victory that put them back in the fight for the SPL 2025 title.
This match was also notable for being the first time in the SPL that the new rule regarding goalkeepers was applied. Mawlai’s Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew held the ball with his gloves for more than eight seconds in the box, leading the referee Lightstar Kharduit to award Langsning a corner.
The next SPL 2025 match will take place on Monday between the two clubs currently in the relegation zone – Rangdajied United and Nongrim Hills. Kick-off will be at 4:30pm.
