Shillong, Sep 29: A goal in the early part of each half gave Mawlai a 2-0 win against Meghalaya Police in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here today.
Arkibor Makhroh (3’) and Damanbhalang Chyne (51’) were the scorers in the victory that took Mawlai up to second place as the race for the SPL title intensifies.
Mawlai now have 15 points, just 1 point behind leaders and defending champions Langsning. Shillong Lajong are third on 14 and Nongkseh fourth with 13; all have played seven games with two remaining for each.
Defeat means that Meghalaya Police, who remain fifth with 10 points, are now out of the running for the trophy, though they are still going to fight hard to ensure a Top 6 finish, which will qualify them for the SSA Super Cup to follow the SPL.
A scrap in front of the box led to Arkibor scoring the opener to put MLP on the back foot early in the contest. Mawlai played their typical fast-paced game and coach Hering Shangpliang used a couple of extra youngsters in Verjelous Shylla and Lovingstar Suting to try and overwhelm the police team, who are on average older than the others in the SPL.
A few minutes later Jestibor Mawlong, who worked tirelessly for Mawlai from start to finish, had a header denied by MLP goalkeeper Basuklang Nongsiej. The police tried to counterattack but Mawlai’s players were quick enough to get back in time to defend.
In the 45th minute Damanbhalang took a free-kick from a tight angle. He went through the wall and Basuklang had to dive the wrong way to pull off an excellent save. The ball was still in play in the box but MLP staved off disaster.
There were moments when the police looked like they could impose their will on the game, such as in the four minutes of first half stoppage time plus the opening minutes of the second half.
However, Mawlai have only conceded one goal all season and they were resolute today, with a sixth clean sheet for goalie Lambhamiki Lamare.
It was they who would extend their lead when Daman worked his way into the box, past Bikram Chettri and aimed a powerful strike on target. The ball zipped towards Basuklang’s head but there was no time for the custodian to react and the ball was in the net by the time he raised his gloves to try and stop it.
Mawlai had further chances, such as when substitute Fairming Suting’s shot collided with the upright in the 61st minute. The last bit of action in the entertaining match saw Jestibor head a cross wide of the mark from an open position.
Tomorrow, we go towards the bottom of the table when eight-placed Rangdajied United take on last-placed Mylliem at 3PM. Anything less than a win will ensure that Mylliem are relegated to next year’s First Division.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Mawlai in yellow-green, Meghalaya Police in red-black)