Shillong, Aug 21: Mawlai remained at the top of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 standings after playing out a goalless draw with Shillong Lajong at the SSA Stadium on Friday.
The result left both sides unbeaten after two matches, with Mawlai holding on to first place thanks to their superior goal difference.
Both teams had won their opening fixtures. Shillong Lajong edged Nangkiew Irat 1-0 on July 29, while Mawlai recorded the biggest victory of the season so far with a 5-0 demolition of Laitkor the following day.
The fixture also renewed a rivalry that has produced some memorable moments in recent SPL seasons. Last year, Lajong staged a remarkable comeback from three goals down to beat Mawlai 4-3, while the 2024 season ended with Lajong securing their fifth SPL title with a 2-1 victory over Mawlai.
Mawlai made one change to the side that beat Laitkor, with Lovingstar Suting replacing Samlang Rympei. Lajong made three changes, bringing Badondor Marbaniang, Freddy Jyrwa and Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew into the starting XI in place of Emanbha Marbaniang, Rimankhraw Kharumnuid and Lakpa Lama.
Mawlai looked particularly dangerous on the counter and came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute. Lovingstar Suting found space and unleashed a shot towards goal, only for Lajong defender Mebanaibok Kharbudnah to make a crucial clearance off the line.
Lajong had opportunities of their own in the opening half. Abelson Jachi dragged a half-volley wide in the 20th minute, while Deibormame Tongper came close in stoppage time. However, his attempt with his weaker right foot failed after he appeared to catch more of the turf than the ball.
The tempo increased after the break, with both teams pushing forward and creating opportunities at either end.
Mawlai almost took the lead in the 53rd minute when Robertson Khongriah’s effort went just over the crossbar. Basuklang Bina then found himself in a promising position nine minutes later, but a quick defensive intervention from Lajong prevented him from getting a clean effort away.
Lajong introduced Lalmuansanga in the second half and he came close in the 81st minute, heading a free-kick narrowly wide.
Galbraith Laitmon then had another opportunity for Lajong late in the game, but his shot went wide as neither side could find the breakthrough.
The draw brought the second round of SPL 2026 to a close and leaves a congested top half of the table.
Four teams are currently level on four points, with Mawlai leading the standings on a +5 goal difference. Meghalaya Police are second on +1 with three goals scored, followed by Nongkseh, also on +1, and Lajong, who have scored one goal.
The third round begins on Saturday when defending champions Langsning face Rangdajied United at 6pm.
Langsning have three points from their opening two matches, while Rangdajied United have one point. Both sides will be looking to bounce back after defeats in their most recent outings.
