Shillong, Aug 27: After almost two years unbeaten, Nongskeh were pipped 1-0 by Shillong Lajong in their Shillong Premier League 2026 match at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
Nongkseh have not lost in any Shillong Sports Association competition since November 2024 but the end came today with a 55th minute penalty by Lajong’s Lalmuansanga.
Lajong did defeat Nongkseh in the Durand Cup last month but SLFC have a different squad for national-level competitions. Here in the local leagues Nongkseh have been near-supreme, winning two and drawing two games when these sides have met.
Nongkseh had a ragged start to the second half and there were some uncharacteristic fouls committed by them, which sent Hamedamanbha Wahlang and Arlangky Nongsiej into the referee’s book. A handball in the box then gave Lajong their opening and the spot kick was converted by Lalmuansanga by placing the ball to the left of Nongkseh goalkeeper Daraphun Talang, who guessed the correct way but could not get his gloves to the ball.
Earlier, a Dawanchwa Challam shot in the 17th minute was fumbled by Lajong goalie Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew and Shano Tariang almost got to the ball but SLFC were able to escape. Banshanskhem otherwise had an excellent game between the sticks and Lajong are still yet to concede a goal in three rounds of SPL 2026.
There was a nervy moment for Nongkseh in the 36th minute when Lajong counterattacked. Daraphun was all alone as Ricky Kharkongor came charging at him to meet a long ball but the keeper got there first and cleared the danger.
The action was unrelenting and Nongkseh had a plan and looked the more compact side but execution was lacking today.
As they pressed for an equaliser, they were a little vulnerable at the back but Lajong squandered a few chances of their own, not least of which was a Deibormame Tongper wild miss from fairly close quarters. The best chance came in the 82nd minute when Rimankhraw Kharumnuid casually made his way through the centre of the pitch, passed to the right for Deibor and he, too, was able to get in close but desperate defending from Nongkseh prevented a second goal.
After three rounds Mawlai lead, with Meghalaya Police second and Shillong Lajong third. All three have 7 points but Mawlai have the best goal difference (+6), followed by MLP (+3) and Lajong (+2).
Tomorrow, eighth-placed Laitkor (3 points) will face defending champions Langsning, who are fourth with 6 points, at 3:40PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Shillong Lajong in red, Nongkseh in blue)
