Shillong, Oct 2: Mawlai moved back to the top of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 standings after edging past Sawmer 2-1 at the SSA Stadium on Friday, but had to survive a late scare before securing three points.
Damanbhalang Chyne (45’+1) gave Mawlai the lead in first-half stoppage time, before Orestar Sad equalised for Sawmer in the 62nd minute. Substitute Jestibor Mawlong restored Mawlai’s advantage in the 76th minute, and the title contenders held on despite Sawmer hitting the woodwork twice in the closing stages.
The victory takes Mawlai to 18 points after eight matches, one ahead of Shillong Lajong (17) and two clear of defending champions Langsning (16). Nongkseh are fourth with 13 points. Sawmer remain seventh with nine points.
Mawlai can secure the SPL title if they defeat Rangdajied United in their final match next week.
Mawlai started brightly, with Lovingstar Suting forcing an early save from Sawmer goalkeeper Urbanity Makhroh, who was making his first appearance of the season.
Around the 10-minute mark, Mawlai appealed for a penalty after Damanbhalang went down inside the box following a challenge from Khrawkupar Tamu, but referee Hopewelson Hujon waved play on.
Mawlai continued to apply pressure, although they lacked the tempo seen in some of their previous matches. Wadshwa Latoo had the ball in the net but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Just when Sawmer appeared set to reach half-time without conceding, Mawlai broke the deadlock. A misplaced pass in the Sawmer half allowed Ricky Chyne to win possession. Instead of going for goal himself, Ricky played the ball to Damanbhalang, who finished from the left to put Mawlai ahead just before the break.
Sawmer came out strongly after the break and began to put Mawlai under pressure. Bickyson Kharkongor forced goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare into a diving save early in the second half after Mawlai lost possession.
Sawmer had another opportunity around the hour mark when Banteilang Lyngdoh hesitated inside the box. The ball eventually fell to Bickyson, but he could not make clean contact with his volley.
The pressure finally paid off in the 62nd minute. A cross found Orestar Sad, who produced a powerful finish to bring Sawmer level. It was Orestar’s first goal of the season and only the second time Mawlai had conceded in the SPL campaign.
Mawlai responded by pushing forward and regained the lead in the 76th minute. A cross from the right was not properly dealt with by Urbanity, leaving the ball available for substitute Jestibor Mawlong, who reacted quickly to fire it into the net.
Sawmer refused to give up and came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the final minutes. Diego Khyriem struck the upright before Orestar Sad hit the crossbar from the rebound.
Mawlai survived the late scare to claim a crucial victory and return to the top of the standings.
The title race continues on Saturday when fourth-placed Nongkseh take on relegation-threatened Laitkor at 3pm. Nongkseh need a victory to keep their title hopes alive, while Laitkor could move up to seventh with a win.
