Shillong, Oct 6: Nangkiew Irat fought back twice to hold Meghalaya Police to an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday.
Meghalaya Police made a fast start, with Everestarly Rynjah putting them ahead in the 12th minute. Nangkiew Irat responded almost immediately, with Yhoto Lohe restoring parity in the 13th minute after the team won a corner following good work by Jefferson Pakyntein.
Rapborlang Marwein then restored Meghalaya Police’s lead in the 21st minute with a long-range strike, giving his side a 2-1 advantage going into the break.
Nangkiew Irat continued to threaten after the interval and came close to another equaliser when Nikelson Bina forced Meghalaya Police goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh into a fingertip save. Edyvenson Dhar also found the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Meghalaya Police spent much of the second half under pressure as Nangkiew Irat repeatedly pushed forward. Their resistance finally ended in the 85th minute when Neblejohn Lyngdoh headed a cross into the net to make it 2-2.
The result brought Nangkiew Irat’s season to an end. They remain eighth with nine points, level with seventh-placed Sawmer, and the point should be enough to keep them clear of relegation, although their final position will depend on the remaining matches.
Nangkiew Irat, however, cannot qualify for the SSA Super Cup, which will feature the top six teams in the SPL.
Meghalaya Police moved into fifth place with 11 points and have one match remaining in the league.
