In one of the major upsets of the Shillong Premier League 2024 season, middle of the table Laitkor SC defeated title challengers Rangdajied United FC 2-0 in match number 70 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Later, Langsning FC pummelled Sawmer SC 5-0 on the back of a Dauruhipaia Pale hat-trick.
Today’s results did not lead to movement in the standings but third-placed Rangdajied’s road to the title is now extremely difficult – they will have to win against the Top 2, Mawlai SC and Shillong Lajong FC, and hope these two teams also lose other games, which is extremely unlikely. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Sawmer continue to be in danger of relegation; though they are currently seventh, the three teams below have played two games fewer. Langsning and Laitkor, on the other hand, have put even more distance between them and the clubs chasing them and are all but assured safety.
Risuk Malngiang first converted a 21st minute penalty before Samborwell Mynsong doubled the lead in the 23rd for Laitkor as Rangdajied looked rusty in all departments. They were unable to get enough of the ball to lead striker Owanijuh Pajuh and defensively they appeared to be missing the presence of Arlangky Nongsiej, who was benched for this game, and Balamlynti Khongjee, who has been missing in action for a couple of matches before today.
Meshan Banjop Sumer, RUFC’s goalkeeper, failed to collect a cross into the box. His fumble handed the ball to Wadskhem Marbaniang and the custodian resorted to grabbing the No. 15’s leg, which led to the penalty being awarded. Risuk stepped up for the spot kick and converted it. Two minutes later, Samborwell, Laitkor’s most prolific player, met a long ball and, though he had a defender marking him, he was not challenged enough and pulled off a shot that went out of reach of Meshan.
Later, after a deadlocked first half, Sawmer completely folded in the early part of the second, with four goals in the first 16 minutes, including three for Dauruhipaia (48′, 51′, 61′) and another for Daohipaia Rymbai (49′). Lamgougin Khongsai (90′) added the fifth right at the end.
A ball from Dajiedlang Wanshnong was fed to Dauruhipaia and he slammed in the first goal, which was quickly followed by the team’s second. This time Dauruhipaia was well-marked and the ball went past him to Daohipaia, who was unmarked, and he scored low to Sawmer goalkeeper Edison Suna’s right. Dauruhipaia added two more in rapid time, the first thanks to the hard work and cross of Melambha Shabong on the right flank. The hat-trick goal was probably the tall No. 23’s most challenging as he was harried by defender Greatstar Shanpru but he twisted and turned to shake him off and fired it high into the net.
Edison seemed to duck a little, such was the force of that shot at close range, but the keeper did somewhat make up for that by blocking a penalty taken by Dajied in the 67th minute. The game was already done and dusted, however, though late substitute Lamgougin made doubly sure by firing in the fifth goal just before the final whistle.
There will be just one match tomorrow, between Nangkiew Irat SC and Nongthymmai SC at 3pm.
