Shillong, Oct 7: Mawlai ended their two-year wait for another Shillong Premier League (SPL) title in emphatic fashion, thrashing Rangdajied United 5-0 at the SSA Stadium here on Wednesday to secure their third SPL crown.
With this being their final match of the season, the victory took Mawlai to an unassailable 21 points with four matches still remaining for the other teams. They had previously won the SPL in 2022 and 2023.
Mawlai took control early, scoring three times in the opening 22 minutes. Basuklang Bina opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Arkini Laloo (16’) doubled the advantage three minutes later. Fairming Suting then added a third in the 22nd minute as Mawlai raced into a commanding lead.
Damanbhalang Chyne added a fourth in the 83rd minute, heading in from a Robertson Khongriah free-kick, before Ricky Chyne completed the rout in the 90th minute.
The victory capped an unbeaten campaign for Mawlai, who finished their nine-match season with six wins and three draws. They conceded only two goals, the fewest in the league, while their 17 goals are the joint-highest. Mawlai also occupied the top position for seven of the nine rounds, with defending champions Langsning briefly moving ahead on two occasions.
The title represents a significant turnaround for Mawlai after the disappointment of the previous two seasons. Having won the 2022 and 2023 editions, they had remained in contention for the title in 2024 and 2025 but failed to convert their opportunities on the final day.
The pressure was therefore firmly on Mawlai heading into Wednesday’s encounter, particularly with Rangdajied having been the team that denied them the title on the final day of the 2025 season. This time, however, Mawlai produced a commanding performance to put the contest beyond doubt.
They dominated from the outset with crisp one-touch passing and quick movement, exposing the relative inexperience of a Rangdajied side that began with several first-team players on the bench.
Basuklang broke the deadlock when he received a hooked ball inside the box and finished past defender Mebatskhem L Lyngkhoi and goalkeeper Rangdajied Pathaw, who was making his first appearance of the season.
Robertson Khongriah played a part in the second goal, with his free-kick creating confusion in the Rangdajied defence. The ball came close to the post, grazed Basuklang’s thigh and struck Arkini Laloo before finding the net.
Mawlai’s passing game produced their third goal as Fairming Suting finished with a low left-footed strike. The forward had another effort ruled out for offside, while Basuklang later hit the crossbar as Mawlai continued to create opportunities.
Rangdajied introduced some of their regular players after the interval and Mawlai, with a three-goal cushion, adopted a more cautious approach. The game settled into a quieter spell before bursting back into life in the closing stages.
Damanbhalang made it 4-0 in the 83rd minute with a header from another Robertson free-kick, before Ricky Chyne completed the scoring in the final minute of regulation time.
The result underlined Mawlai’s consistency throughout the campaign and marked their third SPL title, with two of their championships now coming under coach Hering Shangpliang.
Mawlai players, officials and supporters celebrated on the pitch after the final whistle, although the trophy presentation will take place after the completion of the league season. While the championship has been decided, the battle for the remaining positions remains open, with the top six teams qualifying for the SSA Super Cup.
Sawmer and Mylliem will meet at 3pm on Thursday in the final match for both sides. Mylliem have already been confirmed for relegation, while Sawmer can move up to fifth place with a victory.
