Shillong, Sept 17: Rangdajied United continued their revival in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 with a 2-1 victory over Nangkiew Irat at the SSA Stadium here on Thursday.
Mebannangkiew Thabah put Rangdajied ahead in the 18th minute before Ronaldkydon L Nonglait equalised for Nangkiew Irat in the 32nd. Micky Marwein then struck the decisive goal in the 81st minute to seal all three points for Rangdajied.
The result gives Rangdajied back-to-back victories after they went without a win in their opening three matches of the season. They have now moved from eighth to sixth in the standings, while Nangkiew Irat have dropped to seventh and Meghalaya Police to eighth. All three sides, along with fifth-placed Nongkseh, have seven points, with goal difference and goals scored separating them.
Rangdajied looked more composed than in their earlier outings, particularly in their passing, ball control and decision-making. Gideon Mukhim was a constant threat on the right flank and played a key role in the opening goal.
Gideon reacted quickly to a rebound after Mebatskhem L Lyngkhoi’s long-range effort struck the woodwork and delivered a cross into the box, where Mebannangkiew was on hand to tap the ball home.
Nangkiew Irat had an opportunity to respond five minutes later when Rangdajied goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer spilled a ball he would normally have been expected to collect. However, Nangkiew could not capitalise on the error.
Nangkiew Irat handed Akash Thapa his first start in goal this season and he produced an excellent save in the 28th minute, denying Rangdajied from close range. Rangdajied did put the rebound into the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The momentum then began to swing Nangkiew Irat’s way as they enjoyed more possession. Jefferson Pakyntein saw his effort blocked by Ejingmut Dkhar, while Yhoto Lohe’s left-footed attempt from close range was deflected away.
Nangkiew’s pressure eventually paid off in the 32nd minute when Ronaldkydon produced a superb finish from a difficult high ball, sending it flying into the Rangdajied net to make it 1-1.
Rangdajied responded after the interval and created several opportunities. Gideon headed over the bar, while Ejingmut sent another effort wide. Ronaldkydon came close to scoring again in the 71st minute, but his well-struck effort took a slight deflection off a Rangdajied defender and went out for a corner.
The decisive moment came nine minutes from time. Micky collected the ball on the left side of the box and struck a clean effort across goal and into the far corner to restore Rangdajied’s lead.
Nangkiew Irat could not find another equaliser as Rangdajied held on to claim their second consecutive victory and move up the table.
In Friday’s fixture, ninth-placed Laitkor will face fourth-placed Sawmer at 3pm. Laitkor will be looking for a victory to keep alive their hopes of avoiding relegation.
