SHILLONG: Defending champions Royal Wahingdoh FC will face Malki SC in a pre-final decider on Monday at the JN Stadium, Polo, at 1:45pm to decide which team will meet Rangdajied United FC in the final of the Shillong Premier League.
Malki, who finished second in the league stage, lost the first semifinal to the undefeated Rangdajied 4-1 on December 4, while the Royals (third during the first stage) were 3-1 winners over fourth-placed Langsning FC the day after.
RWFC lost a total of four games during the league stage. One of those was to Malki, while the first encounter between the clubs ended in a draw.
However, Wahingdoh will hope that their experience of big matches will count in their favour, while Malki will have to deal with the pressure of a knock-out contest.
Malki’s loss to Rangdajied was only the third in 15 matches for the team, who have impressed one and all with their performance this season, even if they slipped up a little in the first semi.
They will have to put that loss behind them to face Wahingdoh, who have won their last three games of the SPL.