Shillong, Sep 25: Mawlai let slip a golden chance to go back to the top of the Shillong Premier League 2026 standings with yet another 0-0 draw, this time against Nangkiew Irat.
There have only been six draws in 32 matches of SPL 2026 and Mawlai have been involved in three of them, all of which have been goalless. While the other two were against major players Langsning and Shillong Lajong, today’s affair against Nangkiew Irat – who are firmly in the bottom half of the table – will be significantly disappointing.
The result means that Mawlai stay in third place on 12 points from six games. Lajong lead with 14 from seven while defending champions Langsning are second on 13 from six. Nangkiew Irat, meanwhile, moved up one spot to seventh, now with 8 points. They have played more games (eight) than any other team, however.
Mawlai remain undefeated and have only conceded one goal all season but it is in attack where they are lacking and they have scored fewer goals (8) than any of the other teams in the Top 5.
Prior to the start of the match, a minute’s silence was observed at the SSA Stadium as a mark of respect following the demise of ex-Shillong Sports Association Council Member Shandalang Talang.
Lambhamiki Lamare, the Mawlai goalkeeper, was called into action in the 13th minute to make a solid save to prevent Yhoto Lohe from scoring. The keeper did well later in the first half to again deny the same player, when Nangkiew Irat took a quick free-kick to catch their opponents off guard. Yhoto’s left-footer was on target but Lam stuck out a boot to block the ball.
Immediately after that play Mawlai had a sweet chance to go ahead but Basuklang Bina hit the post and the ball went out. Earlier, egged on by his teammates, Ricky Chyne took a shot from distance but his effort went straight to Nangkiew custodian Surjay Kumar Pariyar.
There was plenty more to keep fans entertained in the second half, though the Mawlai supporters were more frustrated than thrilled. Robertson Khongriah went wide with a left-footer in the 52nd minute and a long-range attempt by Samlang Rympei five minutes later was blocked by Surjay.
Mawlai played their characteristic game of short, quick passes but the final touch was absent today. One prime example of this was practically the last bit of action, when Robertson combined with a teammate to skewer the Nangkiew Irat back line only for the eventual shot to be sent straight to Surjay.
Tomorrow Langsning will have an opportunity to reclaim the lead in the standings when they face bottom side Mylliem at 3pm.
