SHILLONG: After registering their maiden I-League victory at home on Wednesday, there was cause for celebration on Friday as Rangdajied United FC were crowned the new champions of the Shillong Premier League with a narrow 1-0 win over Malki SC at the floodlit JN Stadium, Polo.
A goal by the resilient David Ngaihte and a stellar performance by Man-of-the-Match Dapbor Bareh allowed the Blues to walk home with the trophy after losing out last year in a close-fought final against Royal Wahingdoh.
David Ngaihte’s goal on the hour mark following a mix-up inside the penalty box ensured the new I-League side of a deserving victory as they ended their stunning SPL campaign unbeaten, with 15 wins and one draw.
After a Rangdajied corner, there was a scramble in the penalty box, creating an advantage for Ngaihte, who fired in the ball past goalkeeper Larry.
Malki displayed some attacking football in the first half, but could not get the all important lead and the first half ended 0-0.
Malki’s counter-attacks were unsuccessful and their star striker Samson Nongrum, who was having a good run in the league, looked depleted in the second half, therefore weakening the attack.
Malki nearly found an equaliser in the dying minutes through a header, but the ball just missed the target.
The Blues fielded some of their I-League players despite a big match against Mumbai FC coming up on Sunday.
Rangdajied held on for the last few minutes to break a three-year Premier League title run by Royal Wahingdoh.
Meanwhile, the tickets for the Mumbai FC match have gone on sale at various locations in Shillong and Jowai.