Shillong: Defending champions Mawlai SC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Langsning FC in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 on January 8 at the First Ground, Polo. Khrawkupar Jana’s 70th-minute strike proved to be the game-changer after Langsning had withstood pressure for over an hour.
Despite the league’s season average of 3.15 goals per game, recent fixtures have been notably low-scoring, with only three goals in the last four matches. This victory boosts Mawlai to 19 points from seven games, extending their lead over second-placed Shillong Lajong by three points. Langsning, on the other hand, remains in eighth place with seven points, ahead of Nongthymmai SC on a better head-to-head record.
Langsning started brightly, testing Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare early on. In just the second minute, Lamare blocked a shot from Daohipaia Rymbai. Mawlai’s Baiaikara Swer later attempted a long-range effort reminiscent of his previous wonder goal but was off target. Langsning’s goalkeeper, Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, was in inspired form in the first half, making a brilliant diving save to deny Mawlai’s Arkibor Makhroh.
Despite struggling to break through, Mawlai made early substitutions, bringing on Donlad Diengdoh and Dibinroy Nongspung to add fresh legs. Langsning’s defense, however, held firm under pressure.
The second half saw Mawlai dominate possession, pinning Langsning deep in their half. Finally, the sustained pressure paid off when Baiaikara advanced into the box from the left, drawing out Langsning’s keeper Rajat Paul before setting up Khrawkupar for a simple tap-in into an open goal.
The win keeps Mawlai’s unbeaten run intact, while Langsning will need to regroup after another tough outing.
The OC Blue Shillong Premier League resumes on January 14 with Rangdajied United FC facing Sawmer SC at 11 am, followed by Shillong Lajong taking on Laitkor SC at 2:30 pm.