Shillong, Oct 18: Nangkiew Irat proved to be the ultimate spoilers as they ended Shillong Lajong’s hopes of defending their Shillong Premier League title in a tense 0-0 draw at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
Akash Thapa, Nangkiew Irat’s goalkeeper, was the standout performer, being called upon numerous times to make some exceptional saves. On the bench for the majority of the season, he has been roped into the first XI only in the last couple of games and really shone between the sticks today.
The result means that Lajong finished the season with 19 points, enough for second place at the moment but not enough to win the title. Langsning are currently leading with 20 points but Mawlai (18) still have a chance if they beat Rangdajied United in the season-ender on Monday.
Meanwhile, in the early kick-off, Sawmer lived to fight in another SPL after beating Malki 3-1. Diego Khyriem (32’), Michaelson Kurbah (45’) and Khainkupar Iawphniaw (84’) were the scorers for Sawmer. Fashioning Syngkli (87’) provided some consolation for Malki but defeat means that they will be relegated to next season’s First Division.
What made today’s result even more remarkable is that Nangkiew Irat played nearly an hour with 10 men after Khangmiki Pale was sent off for a double booking.
This was only the second goalless draw of the entire season, with the other also involving Lajong and Rangdajied in Game 3. SLFC will lament the number of times they dropped points this year – as it happens no one has been able to defeat them in SPL 2025 but they have been held to a draw on four occasions.
They may have been expecting to win today given that Nangkiew Irat have experienced a slump in form of late, losing their last two outings without scoring. However, today Akash, backed up by his defenders, pulled off a stunning upset. SLFC also had another opponent in the form of the woodwork, with at least three attempts denied by the post during the 90 minutes.
It was only in the second minute that Lajong had the first of many chances. Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi’s free-kick was parried by Akash and the rebound quickly cleared by Kitdorlang L Nonglait.
Nangkiew Irat played a very physical game and committed several heavy fouls that found the referee reach for the yellow card a few times. Khangmiki was booked twice in 32 minutes and sent off, leaving Nangkiew Irat at a serious disadvantage.
There was still no breakthrough in the first half but that would not have perturbed Lajong, who have scored 17 of their 23 goals this season in the second 45 minutes. Coach Bobby L Nongbet made attacking substitutions, such as bringing on club top scorer Emanbha Marbaniang, but Nangkiew Irat’s coach, Joseph Naik, focused on defence and it proved to be rock solid.
That is not to say that Lajong did not craft good opportunities, but Akash made three more quick reaction saves in the second half. Key to note for budding goalkeepers is how he would punch the ball powerfully away from danger, ensuring that there was little danger from the rebound.
This unexpected result means that the trophy all depends on the Mawlai-Rangdajied match, which will be played at 4:15pm on Monday. This fixture had originally been scheduled for 9 October but had to be postponed due to very heavy rain that day. Closely watching will be the players of Langsning, who will wish Rangdajied every success.
A win for Mawlai will give them a third SPL title. A draw or defeat will see Langsning lift the trophy for a third time as well. Rangdajied, meanwhile, have their own battle to fight. Sawmer’s win today saw RUFC drop in the standings to sixth place on account of head-to-head. Victory or at least a point would see them rise up the table again.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Nangkiew Irat goalkeeper Akash Thapa says a little prayer after the match)
