Shillong Lajong FC and defending champions Mawlai SC were engaged in a hugely entertaining and high quality battle in front of a packed crowd that ended 1-1 in the Shillong Premier League 2024 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
Damanbhalang Chyne (70’) headed Mawlai into the lead only for Yohaan Benjamin (82’) to equalise for Lajong with less than 10 minutes left on the clock.
This was only the second draw in 16 games this season and it demonstrated how evenly matched these two top sides are. The draw also means that Lajong retain their hold of first place in the SPL points table. Both SLFC and Mawlai have 7 points each but Lajong have the better goal difference (+5 to +4).
Both teams were missing their respective top scorers for this contest – Lajong’s Deibormame Tongper sat out the game entirely, while Mawlai’s Khrawkupar Jana was introduced as a substitute only after the equaliser as coach Hering Shangpliang pushed for the win that was not to be.
The goalless first half had its highlights, such as when Mawlai’s Donlad Diengdoh dragged a shot wide in only the fourth minute. Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare then pulled off a brilliant save and Yohaan headed the resulting corner into the upright.
It took more than an hour for the first goal and it came about after Robert Khongriah delivered a corner kick that Damanbhalang rose to meet and head powerfully into the net.
Yohaan did not have the best of days, with a few too many small errors but his coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet persisted with him and the youngster redeemed himself by getting into the right place at the right time to meet Kynsaibor Lhuid’s cross and head it in to level the match.
Lajong were clearly the happier team to walk away with a point but reigning champions Mawlai know that there is still a long way to go in the SPL this year.
Tomorrow will witness Sawmer SC will take on Langsning FC at 2:30pm.
