Shillong: In a pulsating encounter at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Sawmer secured their first points of the Shillong Premier League 2025 season with a dramatic 4-2 win over Nongrim Hills, thanks to a superb late brace from substitute Khainkupar Iawphniaw. The match, a desperate battle between two sides coming off opening day defeats, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with each team trading blows before Sawmer finally pulled away in the final minutes.
The contest began with Sawmer showing more intent, creating several early opportunities. Their perseverance paid off in the 36th minute when last season’s top scorer, Diego Khyriem, found himself with ample space. He controlled a high bouncing ball expertly before unleashing a fierce shot that left the Nongrim Hills goalkeeper with no chance. However, the lead was short-lived as Nongrim Hills captain, Bankitboklang Nongrum, equalized just before the break. His beautifully curled left-footer from the edge of the box nestled perfectly into the corner of the net, restoring parity.
The second half started in a similar fashion, with Sawmer seizing the initiative. A corner kick from Orestar Sad in the 51st minute found the head of Khrawkupar Tamu, who rose above the defence to nod it in, putting Sawmer ahead once more. The game, a thoroughly entertaining affair, continued its back-and-forth rhythm. Nongrim Hills pushed hard for an equalizer, and after a couple of near misses, they finally found it in the 76th minute. Banpynkmenlang Kharsati, who had headed a free-kick wide moments earlier, made amends by bundling the ball into the back of the net from another set-piece, making it 2-2 and setting up a nail-biting finish.
With the game hanging in the balance, Sawmer’s coach made a masterstroke substitution. Khainkupar Iawphniaw, with his fresh legs and blistering pace, proved to be the difference-maker. In the 80th minute, he outran the weary Nongrim Hills defence to slot home Sawmer’s third goal. The young forward wasn’t done yet, repeating the feat just five minutes later with another burst of pace and a composed finish to complete his brace and seal a memorable 4-2 victory for Sawmer.
The win sees Sawmer climb into the top half of the table, leaving their opening day loss behind them. Conversely, Nongrim Hills, with two defeats from two games, now finds themselves at the bottom of the pile. Fans can look forward to another thrilling encounter today as table toppers Mawlai take on Nangkiew Irat at 4:30 pm, promising another cracker of a match.
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