Shillong, July 25: The 15th edition of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) got underway at the SSA Stadium on Saturday evening, with defending champions Langsning FC beginning their title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sawmer SC.
Before kick-off, many expected the contest to be a one-sided affair. Langsning had significantly strengthened their squad ahead of the season, bringing in as many as 10 new signings, including India international Samuel L. Kynshi, making them overwhelming favourites against newly-promoted Sawmer.
However, Sawmer had other ideas.
The underdogs produced a disciplined and determined display, matching the champions for long spells and proving exactly why they deserve to compete among the top clubs in the Shillong area. Langsning eventually claimed all three points, but the narrow 1-0 scoreline reflected just how fiercely Sawmer contested every inch of the pitch.
The breakthrough finally came in the 81st minute when Kyrmenskhem Mukhim tapped home from close range after Samuel Phawa delivered a cross from the left, giving Langsning the decisive goal after nearly 80 minutes of frustration.
Although Langsning enjoyed more possession and created the better opportunities, their newly assembled attack lacked sharpness in front of goal. Syed Ahmed came close on several occasions, including a golden chance in the 69th minute when he found himself unmarked inside the box but failed to connect with the ball. Samuel L. Kynshi also had a difficult evening, missing a headed opportunity before half-time and seeing two efforts in quick succession blocked and miscued early in the second half.
Both goalkeepers were outstanding throughout the match. Langsning’s Rajat Paul Lyngdoh produced an excellent save to deny Raikutshisha Buam’s powerful header in the 38th minute, while Sawmer goalkeeper Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar kept his side in the game with a string of impressive saves against sustained pressure from the defending champions.
Sawmer also had a couple of dangerous free-kicks after the break but failed to make them count, before Langsning finally found the winner through Kyrmenskhem.
There was one caution in the match, with Sawmer SC’s Mark Austine Wanswett receiving a yellow card in stoppage time (90+3′) for unsporting behaviour.
Senior officials of the Shillong Sports Association were present to welcome both teams and match officials before the opening fixture, marking the start of another season of Meghalaya’s premier football league.
The second match of the SPL will be played on Monday at 6 pm, with newly-promoted Nongkseh FC taking on Mylliem SC. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Mylliem will look for a stronger campaign, while Nongkseh enter the league with confidence following an impressive run of success in domestic competitions over the past year.
