Shillong, Sept 3: Sawmer produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat in-form Nangkiew Irat 2-1 in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 at the SSA Stadium on Thursday.
Nangkiew Irat appeared on course for a third consecutive victory after Ronaldkydon L Nonglait put them ahead in the 38th minute, but Sawmer turned the game around with two goals in five minutes through Khrawkupar Tamu (70’) and substitute Andy Mawthoh (76’).
The result marked the first comeback victory in the SPL in the last six matches and gave Sawmer valuable three points in the middle of the table.
Nangkiew Irat, who had won their previous two games, started brightly and had a couple of opportunities before eventually taking the lead.
Their opener, however, was somewhat soft. Ronald found space to shoot with his left foot, but Sawmer goalkeeper Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar was unable to keep out an effort that he would have hoped to save.
The goal was a notable one as it became the 50th goal of the SPL 2026 season.
For much of the remainder of the contest, it appeared that Ronald’s strike might be enough to settle the game.
Sawmer, though, had other ideas.
The comeback began in the 70th minute following a short corner. The delivery was eventually floated towards the far post, where Khrawkupar was waiting and rose to head the ball into the net.
Sawmer suddenly found another gear.
Wanshanlang Dkhar came close twice as Sawmer pressed for a second, and their pressure finally paid off five minutes after the equaliser.
Substitute Andy broke through on the left and was in the right place to meet a cross from the flank, tapping it home to complete Sawmer’s turnaround.
The 2-1 victory lifts Sawmer to sixth place with six points, pushing Nongkseh, who have four points, down to seventh.
The defeat also cost Nangkiew Irat fourth place.
They remain level with Meghalaya Police on seven points, but the two teams are now also tied on goal difference at +1. Meghalaya Police, however, move into fourth because they have scored more goals – seven compared with Nangkiew Irat’s five.
The SPL will now take a short break before returning on September 9, when bottom-placed Mylliem take on second-placed Shillong Lajong at 3:40pm.
