Shillong, Sept 30: Rangdajied United FC secured their place in next season’s Shillong Premier League (SPL) after defeating Mylliem 3-1 at the SSA Stadium on Wednesday, while the result confirmed Mylliem’s relegation to the First Division for 2027.
Mebannangkiew Thabah (39’), Pasborlang Khonglikong (84’) and Franky Dkhar (90’+2) scored for Rangdajied, while Shaibor Nongrum (71’) pulled one back for Mylliem.
The victory lifted Rangdajied from eighth to fifth place with 10 points, level with Meghalaya Police but ahead on goal difference, 0 to -2. The result also ended their relegation concerns. Mylliem, meanwhile, remain at the bottom with one point from eight matches and will finish last even if they win their final fixture.
Rangdajied took the lead in the 39th minute after Mebannangkiew made amends for an earlier miss. The forward had failed to convert a chance in the 28th minute but made no mistake 11 minutes later.
Shaibor Nongrum believed he had been fouled, but referee Wilfred Pohtam Hayong waved play on. Mebannangkiew then broke from the halfway line with Rangdajied defender Fedrick Wahlang trailing him. He skipped past Mylliem goalkeeper Pynkhrawbor Ryntathiang, who was making his first appearance of the season, before finding the net.
Mylliem came back strongly after the interval and levelled in the 71st minute through a spectacular bicycle kick from Shaibor, that went in off the post.
The equaliser also increased the pressure on Rangdajied, who needed a win to guarantee their SPL survival. They nearly regained the lead five minutes later, but Henryford Nongneng headed a corner wide. Micky Marwein then struck the crossbar as Rangdajied continued to threaten.
The pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute when Pasborlang Khonglikong headed in a cross from Franky Dkhar to restore Rangdajied’s lead. Pasborlang, who had earlier passed up a couple of opportunities to set up teammates, made no mistake when the chance came his way. He was substituted immediately after scoring.
Mylliem pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Rangdajied continued to create chances. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Rangdajied were awarded a penalty following a foul inside the box. Franky stepped up and converted from the spot in the stoppage time minute to seal the 3-1 win.
The SPL continues on Thursday with a crucial encounter between defending champions and current leaders Langsning and third-placed Shillong Lajong FC. The match will kick off at 5pm, with the result potentially having a major bearing on the title race.
