Nangkiew Irat SC pulled off a stunning 2-1 win against Shillong Premier League 2024 leaders Shillong Lajong FC today to shake up the season in a big way.
Defeat for Lajong and Mawlai SC’s 3-0 evening win over Nongrim Hills SC led to defending champions Mawlai taking first place in the standings from SLFC.
Rangdajied United FC, meanwhile, soundly defeated Laitkor SC 3-0 in the second match of the day to move to third place.
Neck-and-neck up to this point, Mawlai are now 3 points in front of Lajong, 13 to 10, while RUFC now have 9 as they recover from a slow start to the season.
Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai did not deal with a back pass very well and that allowed Nangkiew Irat, who had lost three of their opening four matches, to take the lead through Damehun Syih (12’). Deibormame Tongper (31’) headed home the equaliser from a Kynsaibor Lhuid cross, however, and the two teams went into the break locked at 1-1.
A draw would have been a good result for Nangkiew Irat and they looked as if they would settle for that in the second half, while Lajong, on the other hand, were increasingly frustrated. With their main striker Wanlamsuk Nongkhlaw unavailable due to a suspension, Nangkiew Irat needed someone else up front and Jefferson Pakyntein delivered by scoring in the 88th minute to give his team a memorable victory.
Later, a brace by Owanijuh Pajuh (48’, 56’) and penalty conversion by Manbhakupar Iawphniaw (63’P) handed Rangdajied a third win in a row.
It was Laitkor who thought they had the first goal but Fridison Wanniang was deemed offside. Laitkor’s defence was shaky but RUFC were not on target at all in the first half. That all changed in the second session when Rangdajied upped their game but Laitkor were unable to keep up.
A chipped ball saw Laitkor protest for offside but the flag stayed down and Owanijuh, who was unmarked, steered past keeper Deranius Wahlang to score his first of the afternoon. Similarly, Aenam Jyrwa met another chipped ball and drew defenders towards him. He then unselfishly passed it to Owanijuh for a simple tap-in. The later penalty was for a foul in the box that Manbhakupar converted easily.
In the evening kick-off, Nongrim Hills put on a good show but continued to lack in scoring goals. Mawlai could not find an opening in the first half but scored three in the second through Kevin Rymbai (55′), Dibinroy Nongspung (82′) and Overkindness L Mawnai (88′). Donlad Diengdoh got two assists to his name, setting up both Kevin’s and Dibinroy’s goals.
There will be only one match tomorrow, between Ryntih FC and Sawmer SC at 5:30pm.
