Shillong, May 3: Mawlai SC played out a 1-1 draw against ARA FC of Gujarat in their third I-League 3 match of 2025-26 at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal today morning.
Mawlai coach Hering Shangpliang made two changes to his starting lineup for the third game, bringing in Vincent Shyrmang and Kevin Rymbai for Ricky Chyne (who got a red card in the last match) and Basuklang Bina.
Moinuddin (18′) put ARA in front on a sodden Imphal pitch in the Group A match by squeezing a left-footer past two defenders and Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare.
ARA were reduced to 10 men after Rohit Chawla was given his marching orders in the 57th minute for a second yellow card offence.
A later foul on Robertson Khongriah gave Mawlai the opening they needed, with Damanbhalang Chyne stepping up to convert the spot kick. That gave the Mawlai boys a fillip but no further goals, though there were a few chances, such as only a minute after the penalty when Damanbhalang tested the goalkeeper from distance.
Robertson also had a shot denied by the woodwork, while Kevin Rymbai, who was drafted into the side for this match from the Mawlai Meghalaya State League team, had a couple of look-ins but without success.
After three rounds, Mawlai have 4 points thanks to a win over Sikkim Brotherhood and today’s draw. They lost their last match against Sunrise Orissa.
At the end of the group stage, the top team from each group, along with the two best second-placed teams, will qualify for the final round. Mawlai are currently second but that could change with today’s 3PM kick-off between FC Raengdai and Sunrise Orissa.
Mawlai will face home side and group leaders FC Raengdai on 5th May at 3PM.
Mawlai squad today:
Lambhamiki Lamare (GK), Arkibor Makhroh, Arkini Laloo, Verjelous Shylla (sub Bajiedlang Rangslang 90’+2), Damanbhalang Chyne, Robertson Khongriah, Wadshwa Latoo, Vincent Shyrmang (sub Danzel Derique Umdor 21′), Samlang Rympei, Kevin Rymbai (sub Basuklang Bina 82′), Fairming Suting
