Shillong, Oct 3: Nongkseh are still in with a chance for the Shillong Premier League 2026 title after they defeated Laitkor 3-1 in a feisty match at the SSA Stadium here today.
Hardy Cliff Nongbri (55’), Dawanchwa Challam (81’) and Shano Tariang (90’+5) scored for Nongkseh while Laitkor’s goal was by Shelbilkstar Kharshilot (87’).
Nongkseh thus moved up to third place with 16 points. This puts them tied with defending champions Langsning but Nongkseh have the better goal difference (+12 to +10); the two sides will meet only with the season-ending match on 10th October.
Laitkor were playing for their SPL lives as they are in the relegation zone – they remain in ninth place with 6 points with just one match to play.
Despite this being their sixth defeat, Laitkor played well and the situation was not a walk in the park for Nongkseh.
The breakthrough only came 10 minutes into the second half when Mebankhraw Wahlang rose above the rest to head a corner. The ball was blocked but Hardy was hand to deal with the rebound. The Nongkseh captain now has six goals, making him the league top scorer.
With less than 10 minutes left on the clock Laitkor went two goals down after two of their players collided while going for the ball. That allowed Hardy to take it forwards and pass to Skilful Tariang, who had only just come on as a substitute seconds before. He took a shot from the right with his third touch but this was blocked; however, the rebound went to Dawanchwa, who relied on perfect placement to put the ball was Laitkor goalkeeper Hukumskhem Marbaniang.
The result still was not settled as Laitkor reduced the margin through a free-kick. Taken by Shanborlang Nonglait, it bounced into the box in front of Nongkseh custodian Daraphun Talang and Shelbilkstar helped it into the net.
This would have raised the anxiety levels in the Nongkseh dugout as a draw would have ended their title hopes. However, they defended well in the remaining minutes to prevent another goal and, in the end, Shano came through with his team’s third goal. Having the ball on the left near the area, he took a quick look to assess his chances and then sent in a beautiful curling shot that went in over Hukumskhem.
The next match will take place on Tuesday between eighth-placed Nangkiew Irat (8 points) and sixth-placed Meghalaya Police (10) at 3PM. Nangkiew Irat are still in danger of relegation but are also competing for a place in the Top 6, which will qualify them for a spot in the upcoming SSA Super Cup.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Nongkseh in blue, Laitkor in maroon)