Mawlai Sporting Club surged closer to retaining their OC Blue Shillong Premier League crown, securing a pivotal 1-0 victory against Rangdajied United Football Club at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on February 25th. Khrawkupar Jana’s 36th-minute strike proved decisive, solidifying Mawlai’s dominance and extinguishing Rangdajied’s championship aspirations.
The intensity of the 90-minute clash saw Rangdajied United FC initially applying significant pressure, creating multiple scoring opportunities within the first half-hour. Benny Khriam, Ieitlang Syiemlieh, Balamlynti Khongjee, and Owanijuh Pajuh all came close to breaking the deadlock, but Mawlai’s goalkeeper, Lambhamiki Lamare, and near misses kept the scoreline level. Against the run of early play, Khrawkupar Jana, facing his former club, capitalized on a precise pass, sliding the ball past a defender and Rangdajied’s goalkeeper, Meshan Banjop Sumer. His exuberant celebration, which involved removing his jersey, earned him a yellow card.
Meshan Banjop Sumer later made a crucial save against Damanbhalang Chyne, while Chyne himself missed another opportunity. Rangdajied’s best chance to equalize came when Benny Khriam’s header struck the woodwork. However, Rangdajied struggled to penetrate Mawlai’s defense and exhibited poor ball control throughout the match, ultimately sealing their elimination from the title race.
Earlier in the day, Langsning Football Club narrowly edged Laitkor Sporting Club with a 1-0 win, reclaiming fourth place in the league standings. Melambha Shabong scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, converting a free-kick that Laitkor’s goalkeeper, Hukumskhem Marbaniang, failed to clear. The assistant referee confirmed that the ball had crossed the goal line before a Laitkor defender’s clearance.
The match between Langsning and Laitkor was largely characterized by long-range attempts, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances inside the penalty area. Laitkor came close to scoring from a corner in the 81st minute, but Langsning’s defense held firm. Langsning’s victory pushed them to 24 points, one ahead of Laitkor, though Laitkor retains a game in hand.
Mawlai SC’s victory brought their points tally to 41, leaving Shillong Lajong FC, trailing by 5 points, as their only remaining title challenger. With two matches remaining, Rangdajied United FC cannot mathematically surpass Mawlai’s current total. The league action continues today with a single match between Sawmer SC and Ryntih FC at 3 pm.