Shillong, Aug 20: Nangkiew Irat held Nongkseh to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in a tense Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 encounter at the SSA Stadium here on Wednesday.
The result gave Nangkiew Irat their first point of the campaign, while Nongkseh moved to four points and remained second in the standings.
Nangkiew Irat took an early lead after Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw caught the Nongkseh defence off guard and found Jefferson (2′), who made no mistake from close range, calmly placing his shot beyond goalkeeper Daraphun Talang.
Nongkseh responded by putting sustained pressure on their opponents and won a string of corners during the first half. However, they struggled to make their set-piece opportunities count.
Their pressure eventually paid off through open play. Kynsailang Khongsit delivered a cross from the right that caused confusion in the Nangkiew Irat defence. As the defenders struggled to clear, Kitboklang Pale (33′) reacted quickest to fire home the equaliser.
Nongkseh dominated much of the second half as they pushed for a winner, while Nangkiew Irat defended deep and fought to preserve at least a point.
Nongkseh came close shortly after the restart. A free-kick taken by Shano Tariang found its way towards the danger area, with Dawanchwa C Challam allowing the ball to pass through his legs for Mebankhraw Wahlang. The forward, however, sent his effort over the crossbar.
Nangkiew Irat goalkeeper Surjay Kumar Pariyar was fortunate moments later when he hesitated while dealing with a cross from the left while a Nongkseh attacker was unable to get the decisive touch. Pariyar redeemed himself in stoppage time, making two important saves to deny Nongkseh and preserve the point for his side.
Nongkseh talisman Chesterpaul Lyngdoh remained a constant threat and came close around the hour mark. His first attempt skimmed the crossbar, while an acrobatic volley later sailed over. Dawanchwa also came agonisingly close in the seventh minute of stoppage time when his header went narrowly wide.
Nangkiew Irat had made only two changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Shillong Lajong in the opening round, bringing in Yhoto Lohe and Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw for Sangti Janai Shianglong and Shrikant Gadaba.
Nongkseh, meanwhile, made seven changes, with several key players rested following the club’s Durand Cup campaign. Kynsailang Khongsit, Aenam G Jyrwa, Dawanchwa C Challam, Banraplang Pyngrope, Kitboklang Pale, Daraphun Talang and Mebankhraw Wahlang were brought into the starting XI.
Nongkseh had entered the match with three points after defeating Mylliem 1-0 on July 27, while Nangkiew Irat were looking for their first points following their 1-0 defeat to Shillong Lajong on July 29.
The SPL 2026 action continues on Friday when Mawlai take on Shillong Lajong at 6pm. Both sides won their opening matches, with Mawlai thrashing Laitkor 5-0 on July 30 and Lajong edging Nangkiew Irat 1-0.
