Shillong, Oct 1: Shillong Lajong FC delivered a major blow to defending champions Langsning’s title defence with a 2-0 victory at the SSA Stadium on Thursday, moving back to the top of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 standings.
Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi opened the scoring in the 45th minute before Freddy Jyrwa doubled Lajong’s advantage in the 80th minute in front of a large crowd at the stadium.
The result takes Lajong to 17 points from eight matches, while Langsning remain second on 16 points from eight games. Mawlai, who have 15 points from seven matches, also remain firmly in the title race, while Nongkseh are fourth with 13 points from seven games.
Langsning now have only one match remaining, against Nongkseh, and their hopes of successfully defending the title will depend partly on results involving the other contenders.
The match was played at a high tempo, with both sides showing the importance they attached to the contest. The intensity also resulted in several physical exchanges, while mistakes from both teams created opportunities at either end.
Langsning came close to conceding inside the opening 10 minutes after losing possession at the back, but goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh came off his line to block Colinsalmon Lyngdoh’s effort.
Freddy Jyrwa was a constant threat for Lajong and produced one of the early highlights when he controlled a long ball and went past Rajat Paul. His eventual pass across goal, however, was not converted by Wilbert Marbaniang, who slid in but could not make the required contact.
The woodwork also played a part in a lively first half. Riborlang L Lyngkhoi struck the crossbar in the 42nd minute before Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi’s free-kick clipped the upright and went in three minutes later to give Lajong the lead just before half-time.
Langsning came close to an immediate response after the restart when Lajong gave the ball away. Kyrmenskhem Mukhim’s effort was on target, but goalkeeper Lakpa Lama was well positioned to make the save.
The defending champions continued to create chances, with Samuel Phawa, Mebanshngain Kurkalang and Syed Ahmed all failing to find the target.
Lajong also threatened at the other end, with Badondor Marbaniang forcing another important intervention from Rajat Paul. The Langsning goalkeeper dived to palm the effort onto the woodwork, keeping his side within a goal.
Lajong eventually doubled their advantage in the 80th minute. Langsning surrendered possession in a dangerous area, allowing Lajong to work the ball around the defence before Freddy received the final pass and fired towards goal. Rajat Paul got a hand to the effort, but could not prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Langsning continued to push for a way back into the match. Donlad Diengdoh was given space inside the box but was denied by Lakpa, while Samuel struck the crossbar with a powerful left-footed effort. Richie Kharbani also came close late on, but his attempt went narrowly wide.
Lajong held on to claim three valuable points and reclaim first place as the SPL title race enters its decisive stage.
Mawlai will have the opportunity to move closer to the top on Friday when they take on Sawmer at 3pm. Mawlai enter the match with 15 points from seven games, while seventh-placed Sawmer will look to cause an upset.
