Shillong, Jul 30: Mawlai swept aside Laitkor in the second half of their Shillong Premier League 2026 match to win 5-0 at the SSA Stadium here today.
In the biggest win of the season thus far, two-time champions Mawlai found the mark through Samlang Rympei (49’), Fairming Suting (52’), Wadshwa Latoo (55’), Basuklang Bina (71’) and Bajiedlang Rangslang (86’).
A goalless first half had everyone at the ground thinking that this would be another close SPL 2026 match – before today there had been three 1-0 results and a 1-1 draw.
But Mawlai’s players had obviously had a good talking to from their eminent coach Hering Shangpliang as they came out a different side in the second half. They broke down Laitkor’s defence almost at will, with sure-footed passing and intelligent distribution of the ball.
It all began with Jestibor Mawlong having a shot gathered by Laitkor goalkeeper Deranius Wahlang under a minute from the restart and Damangbhalang Chyne rattling the crossbar from close range. The ball was still live, however, and Samlang powered his attempt over the line.
There was no let-up in pressure from Mawlai and the chances came thick and fast. Fairming got to a through ball aimed at him and slid the ball past the goalie soon after to make it 2-0 and he tried to help Jestibor to get on the scoresheet a couple minutes later but the latter’s attempt from Farming’s cross went way over the crossbar.
Mawlai did not have to wait long to go 3-0 up, though, with a cross from Robertson Khongriah from the left dealt with by Wadshwa’s tap-in. All in all, it took a mere 6 minutes from Mawlai’s first to third goal.
Things settled down from then on but the goals were not done, as Basuklang, who was a steadfast force throughout the game, added his name to the list of scorers; his shot took a deflection but had enough legs and the direction to creep over the goal line.
Finally, a few minutes from the whistle, substitute Bajiedlang ran with the ball into Laitkor’s half and blasted it into the net for a five-star performance.
For their part, Laitkor tried to keep their spirits up and had a couple of shots on goal in the second half but these never troubled Mawlai goalie Lambhamiki Lamare.
The next SPL match will take place on 4 August between Sawmer and Rangdajied United at 4pm. Sawmer lost the 2026 opener 1-0 to defending champions Langsning, while Rangdajied were held in their first match to a 1-1 draw with Meghalaya Police.
