SHILLONG: Rangdajied United FC’s steamrolling performance in the Shillong Premier League was finally brought to a halt on Tuesday when Malki held the runaway leaders to a 1-1 draw at the JN Stadium, Polo.
The Blues had won all of their previous 13 matches this season, but were finally matched in what was really an inconsequential SPL match against the second-placed team with both clubs guaranteed to finish 1-2 whatever the result.
RUFC thus end the league stage with 40 points, while Malki have 30.
Third-placed Royal Wahingdoh, who will play their last group game on Wednesday, have 23 points.
The highlight of the fixture was Samson Nongrum’s 46th minute equaliser for Malki, who have shown themselves to be strong contenders for the title.
According to an unofficial tally, Samson is now the lead scorer of the League, with 13 goals to his credit.
Malki, however, also had to thank goalkeeper Maitshaphrang Kharumnuid, the Man-of-the-Match for his stellar showing under the bar, which denied Rangdajied a clean sweep of the league matches.
The majority of the first half belonged to RUFC, as they put pressure on their opponents with an attacking display. Bansharai Sun’s good form continued as he put the Blues into the lead in the 35th minute.
However, just a minute into the second half, Samson produced a stunning equaliser, which saw the Malki forward fire a long-range shot from the far right as Rangdajied’s keeper, Abhishek Das, who is on trial with the club, advanced to the edge of the penalty box.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh, only just coming back from an extended knee injury, nearly gave Rangdajied a 67th minute lead when he sent a powerfl shot that was stopped by Maitshaphrang.
Later, Malki’s Devinroy Nongspung had a terrific opportunity to score the winner, but missed the target by a few inches for the thriller of a game to end 1-1.
On Wednesday, Royal Wahingdoh will play Pohkseh at 2:45pm.
3rd Div Super League
Meanwhile, Nongrah beat Qualapaty 4-2 in a Third Division Super League match.
Aibor Marboh (30th minute, 68th) scored a brace for Nongrah while Kynsai Wankhar added one in the 33rd and Tony Pyngrope in the 71st minute.
For Qualapaty, Kampher Nongkhlaw scored a 70th minute goal while Kit Ranee found his side’s second in the 72nd minute.
The final of the Super League will be held on Thursday between Assam Regimental Centre and Mawkhar at 2:30pm at the JN Sports Complex, Polo.