Shillong, Oct 6: If the situation around tomorrow’s Shillong Premier League 2026 match seems awfully familiar, that is because it really is.
Leaders Mawlai will take on sixth-placed Rangdajied United at 3PM and at the end of 90 minutes there will either be new champions or the race for the title will continue further into the week.
A win for Mawlai and they will lift the SPL trophy for a third time, having previously won it in 2022 and 2023.
This was the same situation for them in their last game of the 2025 season. In fact, they were up against the same opponents and needed to win to take the crown. Instead, Rangdajied, who were mid-table finishers last year too, put up an excellent display to draw 1-1, which had the result of consigning Mawlai to third and handing the title to Langsning.
Then there was SPL 2024 when Mawlai were leading going into the final day and only needed a point against Shillong Lajong. However, Mawlai lost their only game of the season and SLFC claimed the trophy.
Mawlai have the same coach in charge – the renowned Hering Shangpliang – and many of the same players across the two seasons – Fairming Suting, Damanbhalang Chyne, Arkibor Makhroh, Samlang Rympei, Kevin Rymbai, Robertson Khongriah and more.
No doubt they will be well aware of the history but whether that plays on their minds or gives them added encouragement to put the ghosts of the past behind them will be seen tomorrow.
(File photo from 2025)