Shillong, Aug 25: Nangkiew Irat secured their first win of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 season after defeating Laitkor 2-0 at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday.
Ronaldkydon L Nonglait opened the scoring in the 67th minute with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box, before Jefferson Pakyntein (90+4′) sealed the victory with a second goal deep into stoppage time.
Both teams created opportunities in an evenly contested first half but were unable to find the breakthrough.
Nangkiew Irat came close in the 15th minute when Jefferson’s effort was parried by Laitkor goalkeeper Deranius Wahlang. The rebound, however, fell just beyond the reach of a Nangkiew player at the far post.
Laitkor responded six minutes later when Kitdor Kharphuli fired twice at goal following a corner, but both attempts were blocked by the Nangkiew Irat defence. Shelbilkstar Kharshilot then came close for Laitkor around the half-hour mark.
Nangkiew Irat had another opportunity just before the break when veteran forward Dibinroy Nongspung attempted a back-heel from a Sangti Janai Shianglong cross in stoppage time, but the effort went wide.
Nangkiew introduced attacking players early in the second half in search of a breakthrough, and Yhoto Lohe almost provided it shortly before the hour mark. His well-placed effort, threaded between two defenders, was brilliantly kept out by Deranius.
The Laitkor goalkeeper produced several important saves, but he was finally beaten in the 67th minute when Ronaldkydon unleashed a sublime left-footer from outside the penalty area to give Nangkiew the lead.
Laitkor attempted to respond but struggled to create clear-cut chances in the second half as Nangkiew Irat remained disciplined defensively.
The three points were eventually secured in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw played a well-weighted through ball for Jefferson, who finished calmly to make it 2-0 and register his second goal of the season.
Laitkor entered the match on the back of a win over Mylliem, while Nangkiew Irat had drawn with Nongkseh in their previous outing.
In their respective starting line-ups, Laitkor made three changes, bringing in Samborwell Mynsong, Shaipharlin Nongsiej and Kitdor Kharphuli, while Nangkiew Irat made four changes, with Sangti Janai Shianglong, Edyvenson Dhar, Dibinroy Nongspung and Restom Khriam coming into the XI.
The league continues on Wednesday when bottom-placed Mylliem take on Mawlai at 3:40pm. Mylliem have lost both their opening matches, while Mawlai have four points and are yet to concede a goal this season.
