Shillong, Sep 30: Rangdajied United secured their participation in next year’s Shillong Premier League by defeating Mylliem 3-1 in today’s match at the SSA Stadium.
The result, however, meant that Mylliem, who have lost seven out of eight matches this season, will be relegated to the First Division in 2027.
Mebannangkiew Thabah (39’), Pasborlang Khonglikong (84’) and Franky Dkhar (90’+2) scored for Rangdajied and Shaibor Nongrum (71’) for Mylliem.
The result not only saved Rangdajied from the possibility of relegation but also moved them up to fifth place from eighth. RUFC now have 10 points, tied with Meghalaya Police but with a better goal difference (0 to -2). Mylliem remain at the bottom with 1 point and that is where they will be even if they win their last remaining fixture.
Mebannangkiew missed an opportunity to score in the 28th minute but did not repeat that error roughly 10 minutes later. Shaibor thought he had been fouled but referee Wilfred Pohtam Hayong waved play on and Meban broke from the halfway line with Rangdajied defender Fedrick Wahlang trailing him. The RUFC forward skipped past Mylliem goalkeeper Pynkhrawbor Ryntathiang (playing his first match of the season) and scored.
It took a while for the second half to really get going but Shaibor managed to set the game alight with a fantastic bicycle kick that went in off the post.
That provided Mylliem the hope they needed to mount a comeback and energised Rangdajied as well, as a draw would not ensure their safety.
Rangdajied had a chance to restore the lead five minutes after the equaliser but Henryford Nongneng headed a corner wide of the mark. Soon after his teammate Micky Marwein clipped the crossbar but Rangdajied would finally make it 2-1 when Pasbor headed in a cross from Franky. Pasbor had seemed reluctant to take a couple of earlier chances when in good positions, instead passing for teammates. This time, though, he seized the opportunity and scored, which turned out to be his last action of the match as he was substituted immediately after.
Mylliem pressed hard after that but it was Rangdajied who had more chances that went begging. A foul in the box led to a penalty in stoppage time and that was the avenue for the last goal of the game as Franky converted the spot kick.
Tomorrow will witness an absolute humdinger in SPL 2026 with defending champions and current leaders Langsning set to take on third-placed Shillong Lajong. Kick-off has been scheduled for 5pm to give more fans an opportunity of catching this unmissable match, which could have huge repercussions on the race for the crown.
