Shillong, Aug 27: Shillong Lajong brought Nongkseh’s remarkable unbeaten run in Shillong Sports Association competitions to an end with a narrow 1-0 victory in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 at the SSA Stadium here on Thursday evening.
Lalmuansanga scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 55th minute as Lajong secured their third consecutive victory and maintained their perfect defensive record in the competition.
Nongkseh had gone unbeaten in SSA competitions since November 2024, but that run finally came to an end against a disciplined Lajong side.
Lajong had also defeated Nongkseh in the Durand Cup last month, although the club’s national-level squad is different from the one competing in the local leagues. In SSA competitions, Nongkseh had enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, winning twice and drawing twice against Lajong.
Nongkseh made a shaky start to the second half, committing a series of uncharacteristic fouls that saw Hamedamanbha Wahlang and Arlangky Nongsiej booked. Their problems deepened when a handball inside the box handed Lajong a penalty.
Lalmuansanga made no mistake from the spot, sending the ball to the left of goalkeeper Daraphun Talang. The Nongkseh custodian guessed correctly but was unable to get a hand to the well-placed effort.
Lajong goalkeeper Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew was also instrumental in preserving the clean sheet. In the 17th minute, a shot from Dawanchwa Challam slipped through his grasp, with Shano Tariang almost reaching the loose ball, but Lajong managed to clear the danger.
Banshanskhem otherwise produced a confident display and has now helped Lajong keep three clean sheets in as many matches in SPL 2026.
Nongkseh had another scare in the 36th minute when Lajong launched a quick counterattack. Ricky Kharkongor raced onto a long ball with only Daraphun between him and goal, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly to reach the ball first and clear the danger.
The match remained closely contested, with Nongkseh appearing the more compact side for long periods. However, their inability to make the most of their opportunities ultimately proved costly.
Nongkseh pushed forward in search of an equaliser late in the match, leaving gaps at the back that Lajong attempted to exploit. The hosts came close to adding a second when Deibormame Tongper missed from close range.
Lajong had their best opportunity in the 82nd minute. Rimankhraw Kharumnuid drove through the centre before releasing the ball to Deibor on the right. The forward advanced into a dangerous position, but Nongkseh’s defenders recovered just in time to prevent a second goal.
The victory leaves Lajong third in the standings after three rounds on seven points, level with leaders Mawlai and second-placed Meghalaya Police. Mawlai lead on goal difference at +6, followed by Meghalaya Police at +3 and Lajong at +2.
Laitkor, currently eighth with three points, will face defending champions Langsning on Friday. Langsning sit fourth with six points, with kick-off scheduled for 3:40pm.
