Shillong, Aug 22: Defending champions Langsning came from a goal down to beat Rangdajied United 3-1 in a hard-fought Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 encounter at the SSA Stadium here on Saturday.
Franky Dkhar gave Rangdajied the lead in the 25th minute, but Langsning responded through Mebanshngain Kurkalang (45+3’) in first-half stoppage time before Syed Ahmed (68’) and substitute Rohan Manar (90’) completed the comeback in the second half.
The victory marked Langsning’s second win of the campaign. They had earlier defeated Sawmer before going down to Meghalaya Police. Rangdajied, meanwhile, entered the match with a draw against Meghalaya Police and a defeat to Sawmer.
Both sides made several changes to their starting line-ups. Langsning coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh brought in Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Kyrmenskhem Mukhim and Denelson Pyngrope, while Rangdajied coach Aibanjop Shadap made five changes, introducing Bantiplang Khongnoh, Mebannangkiew Thabah, Freelyson Tariang, Elnathan D Wahlang and Eijingmut Dkhar.
The match began at a lively pace, with both teams looking to attack from the opening whistle. Rangdajied had the first clear opportunity in the seventh minute when Mebannangkiew Thabah sent his effort over the bar.
Langsning responded seven minutes later when Samuel L Kynshi’s free-kick clipped the crossbar.
Rangdajied continued to threaten and nearly benefited from a defensive mix-up in the Langsning box. A lack of communication between Mebanshngain and goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh allowed Freelyson Tariang to get a shot away, but Meban recovered to make the block.
Rangdajied eventually broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Franky Dkhar found space and sent a low left-footed effort beyond the reach of Rajat Paul to put his side 1-0 ahead.
Langsning responded with increased pressure and came close through Samuel and Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, but Rangdajied managed to protect their advantage for most of the half.
The defending champions, however, found their equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time. Mebanshngain rose to meet a set-piece and headed the ball into the net in the third minute of added time to make it 1-1 at the break.
Langsning continued to press after the restart, but Rangdajied remained competitive and refused to give in.
The champions finally took the lead in the 68th minute following a corner from Allen L Nongbri. His delivery found a teammate at the far post, who headed the ball back across goal for Syed Ahmed to rise and head home.
Rangdajied pushed for a response, but Langsning continued to look dangerous and eventually sealed the three points in the final minute of regulation time. Substitute Rohan Manar finished off a move created by Alex Manar to make it 3-1 and put the result beyond doubt.
Langsning will now look to build on the victory as the defending champions continue their title defence, while Rangdajied will be left to regroup after suffering their second defeat of the campaign.
The SPL 2026 action resumes on Monday when Meghalaya Police face Sawmer at 3:40pm.
