Shillong, Aug 4: A lively first half led to a 2-1 victory for Sawmer against Rangdajied United in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here today.
Oresterwell Langshiang (18’) and Wanshanlang Dkhar (36’) scored for Sawmer on either side of Pasborlang Khonglikong’s 24th minute goal for Rangdajied United.
Rangdajied drew 1-1 with Meghalaya Police in their first match last week while Sawmer lost 1-0 to defending champions Langsning in the season opener.
Both teams made changes to their starting lineups for this game. For Sawmer Andy Z Mawthoh came in for Bickyson Kharkongor, while Rangdajied made two changes – Ronald Kharkongor and Khainkupar Iawphniaw started in place of Mebannangkiew Thabah and Mebatskhem L Lyngkhoi.
There were a couple of good attacking moves in the first 10 minutes, with Balamlynti Khongjee hitting a strong shot towards Sawmer goalkeeper Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar before a good cross by Banteilang Lyngdoh was smothered by Rangdajied keeper Meshan Banjop Sumer.
The opening goal came as a result of a Sawmer corner. Orestar Sad delivered the ball into the box but it came out off a Rangdajied player to Oresterwell. He fired in a low shot that seemed to take a deflection before beating Meshan.
The lead lasted only a handful of minutes; a cross was aimed at Pasborlang, who neatly trapped, turned and struck the ball into the back of the net.
Sawmer reclaimed the advantage 12 minutes later through Wanshanlang. It was his teammate Andy who had the first go but his shot was blocked by Balamlynti, who slid along the ground to get his body in the way of the ball. However, the ball did not go very far and Wanshan snuck in and scored.
Rangdajied were the more attacking side in the second half but failed to make an impact. They changed tactics towards the end – choosing long balls towards the wings instead of their preferred method of building up attacks from the back but this did not change the situation. Sawmer largely hunkered down and looked to defend their narrow lead.
Nearly 8 minutes were added on for stoppages and when referee Marcillinus PW Mawrie blew the final whistle Sawmer could celebrate a hard-fought victory.
Tomorrow Mylliem will face Laitkor at 4PM. Both clubs lost their opening match but in very different ways. While Mylliem were narrowly beaten by Nongkseh 1-0 on 27th July, Laitkor received a drubbing at the hands of Mawlai, going down 5-0 on 30th July. Tomorrow will provide an opportunity for the two teams to get their SPL campaigns back on track.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Sawmer in red, Rangdajied United in blue)
