Shillong, Nov 10: Lamlynti FC secured their first points in the SSA Champions Cup 2026 with a 2-1 victory over Nongkrem SC in their Group A encounter at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday, courtesy of a brace from Shaitborlang Kharkrang.
Shaitborlang (21’, 77’) scored once in each half, while Rangky Kharjana (70’P) briefly brought Nongkrem back on level terms with a penalty conversion.
Both teams had entered the contest seeking their first points after losing their respective opening matches, with Lamlynti going down to Mawlai SC and Nongkrem suffering defeat against Mawpat SC.
Shaitborlang was involved in the action from the outset, sending an early attempt over the crossbar before making amends in the 21st minute. The forward timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from Lukas Syngkli, sliding in to put Lamlynti ahead.
Despite competing in the Third Division this season, two tiers below Nongkrem, Lamlynti looked the more composed side and created the better opportunities throughout the contest.
They came close to extending their advantage early in the second half when Ialam Kshiar’s effort was directed straight at Nongkrem goalkeeper Jovialstar Lyngkhoi. Nikelson Bina then missed another opportunity from close range after being set up by Biangki Khongjoh.
Jovialstar kept Nongkrem in the contest with a series of impressive saves, including full-stretch efforts to deny Lamlynti from free-kicks. However, he was unable to prevent Shaitborlang from restoring his team’s lead in the 77th minute.
In between, Nongkrem had briefly found their way back into the match. Having looked more threatening in the attacking third, they were awarded a penalty following a hard challenge inside the box. Rangky stepped up and made no mistake, sending his spot-kick into the top corner in the 70th minute.
However, the equaliser proved short-lived as Shaitborlang struck again seven minutes later to put Lamlynti back in front.
Nongkrem pushed forward in search of another equaliser, leaving spaces at the back, but Lamlynti were unable to capitalise on several further opportunities to put the result beyond doubt. Nevertheless, they held on to claim a deserved victory and their first three points of the competition.
The Champions Cup continues on Wednesday with a double-header in Group B.
Sei La Sap FCC, runners-up in the Fourth Division, will make their tournament debut against Sohryngkham SC at 12:30pm. Sohryngkham, who finished runners-up in the Second Division, began their campaign with a victory over Mawkhar SC last week.
The second match, scheduled for 3:45pm, will see Third Division champions Sanmer SC take on First Division winners Mawkhar SC. Sanmer narrowly lost their opening match against Shillong Lajong FC.
