Shillong, Oct 17: Mawlai kept their hunt for the Shillong Premier League 2025 title going with a 3-0 victory over Nongrim Hills at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
Robertson Khongriah (54’, 84’) and Banraplang Pyngrope (76’) provided the goals, all of which came in the second half.
There was no change in the standings as a result of this match, though Mawlai increased their haul to 18 points with one match to play. Shillong Lajong will be in action tomorrow and if they beat Nangkiew Irat then SLFC will have earned a sixth SPL crown. Only a draw or defeat would make Mawlai’s season-ending game against Rangdajied United on Monday the deciding factor. Lajong also have 18 points at the moment and when two teams are tied head-to-head is considered first. Lajong have the advantage by this measure as they defeated Mawlai in a sensational 4-3 result on 1 October.
Also still interested and currently leading the table are Langsning (20 points), who are bystanders as they have already played all their matches and must simply wait to see how SLFC and Mawlai do.
After a goalless but engaging first half, Mawlai seized the game by the scruff of the neck in the second 45 minutes. Robertson volleyed low from close range for the opening goal and Banraplang then headed in the ball after a chip into the box provided by Robertson following a short corner kick. Robertson then got his brace with the ball popping to him outside the box. He swung his boot and the ball skidded low over the surface and into the bottom corner of the net to make it 3-0.
Mawlai had almost all the chances in the first half, with Banraplang twice being denied – once by the woodwork and then by the goalkeeper Ebenson Warbah. Loving Suting and Shelblikstar Kharshilot also had opportunities that they could not convert. Nongrim Hills, bottom of the table and to be relegated to next season’s First Division, had one good shout early on in the match but Bankitboklang Nongrum was unable to put the ball past Mawlai goalkeeper Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew following a good cross from the right.
Nongrim Hills thus ended the season winless with just 1 point from nine games. They were not completely outplayed but failed in key areas in attack, the midfield and defence, though players like Isharwell Mukhim and Caldolan Kharmawphlang were standouts in a difficult season.
Tomorrow will decide who joins Nongrim Hills in being relegated as Malki are set to face Sawmer at 1:30pm. Malki are currently ninth but a win would lift them over Sawmer on head-to-head as both would have 9 points. Sawmer thus need only a draw in order to be safe for another season of the SPL.
Later will follow Nangkiew Irat versus Lajong. Nangkiew Irat were strong contenders up until late in the season but their form has taken a dive since then and SLFC will start as strong favourites. That game will begin at 4:30pm.
