Shillong, Jul 28: Meghalaya Police marked their return to the Shillong Premier League after a gap of eight years with a 1-1 draw against Rangdajied United at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
Dameki Khongstia (20’) had the opener for Rangdajied but Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi (53’) levelled in the second half.
MLP were regulars in the local top flight but were relegated at the end of 2018. They regained their place in the SPL after finishing as runners-up in the First Division 2025.
They have largely retained the same squad and the question was whether they would be able to match the skill and pace of SPL-level opposition.
By that measure they did fairly well today even if Rangdajied are not the fearsome team of years gone by. RUFC were only fifth last season and did not impress in the recent Meghalaya State League, though some more time since in practice appears to have done them some good.
Rangdajied got the opening goal after there was a little indecision in the police ranks. Goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh was a little out of position as he tried to cover the ball on the left. A textbook pass to Dameki saw the latter score into an open net.
The cops were wanting in attack but Marbiangki Suchiang did manage a shot with some purpose but it was over the bar.
In the second half, MLP’s Pynshailang, who was the top scorer of the First Division last year, made a shot that took a lucky deflection and then looped over RUFC keeper Meshan Banjop Sumer.
MLP had a chance to go up a goal but Rapborlang Marwein’s powerful shot was palmed over by Meshan. Rangdajied’s Elnathan Wahlang also had an attempt before the end but this was gathered by Eveningstar.
Tomorrow, five-time champions Shillong Lajong will go up against Nangkiew Irat at 4pm. Lajong were runners-up in SPL 2025, while Nangkiew Irat finished fourth. Their only meeting was a decisive draw on 18 October, a result that cost Lajong what would have been a sixth SPL title.
