Shillong, Aug 22: A fighting performance from Langsning saw them overturn a one goal deficit to win 3-1 against Rangdajied United in the first match of Round 3 in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
Franky Dkhar (25’) scored first for Rangdajied before Mebanshngain Kurkalang (45’+3), Syed Ahmed (65’) and Rohan Manar (88’) turned the tide for defending champions Langsning.
Langsning beat Sawmer but then lost to Meghalaya Police most recently. Rangdajied, meanwhile, drew with the police and were then defeated by Sawmer.
In terms of personnel, Langsning made three changes – coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh brought in Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Kyrmenskhem Mukhim and Denelson Pyngrope in place of Nister Roy Suting, Apborlang Kurbah and Samuel Phawa. Rangdajied’s coach Aibanjop Shadap, meanwhile, swapped in five players – Bantiplang Khongnoh, Mebannangkiew Thabah, Freelyson Tariang, Elnathan D Wahlang and Eijingmut Dkhar – in place of RT Hanson Pdang, Ronald Kharkongor, Dameki Khongstia, Pasborlang Khonglikong and Khainkupar Iawphniaw.
Both sides were engaging throughout the 90 minutes and were attacking from the get-go. Mebannangkiew Thabah went over the bar for RUFC in only the seventh minute and Samuel L Kynshi clipped the crossbar with a free-kick in the 14th. Minutes later there was a total lack of communication between Mebanshngain and his goalkeeper Rajat Paul and that allowed Freelyson Tariang to have a shot that was blocked by Meban.
Franky delivered a low left-footer that was placed out of reach for Rajat Paul but Langsning tried desperately to get back on level terms. They came close through Samuel and Kyrmenskhem Mukhim but Rangdajied held them at bay.
However, the boys in blue could not see out the remaining minutes of the first half without conceding the equaliser, which came about after Mebanshngain headed the ball following a set-piece.
Langsning sought to squeeze their opponents in the second half but Rangdajied did not give in lightly. The reigning champs finally took the lead following a corner by Allen L Nongbri, which was delivered to the far post, headed back by a teammate and Syed completed the job with a header of his own.
Not content with a narrow lead, Langsning kept pressing and it was super sub Rohan who put the result beyond doubt after he was set up by the good work of Alex Manar.
The SPL 2026 action will return on Monday when Meghalaya Police take on Sawmer at 3:40PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Alex Manar (left) leaps into the arms of Rohan Manar after the latter scored for Langsning)
