Shillong, March 28: Defending champions Mawlai SC secured their first win of the Shillong Premier League 2023 with a 1-0 result in their favour over twice champions Langsning FC at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, on Thursday.
A grueling, hard-fought encounter was settled by a 10th minute goal by Dajiedlang Wanshnong.
Mawlai and Langsning swapped coaches ahead of SPL 2023, with Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh joining Langsning and Hering Shangpliang then signing on to lead Mawlai.
The 2022 champions certainly had the edge right throughout the game, with Langsning finding it difficult to swing any momentum their way.
A poor pass from Langsning gave the ball to Dajiedlang, who took a shot from the edge of the box that rolled over the line after hitting the upright.
Then followed a couple of chances for Langsning, with Overkindness L Mawnai going just wide with a free-kick before Nelson Rymbai, steaming up the right flank, fired at the near post but Mawlai goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai had anticipated as much and covered the opening.
Mawlai then had a huge shout for handball in the Langsning box but the referee was not convinced.
Ten minutes before the first half whistle, Langsning finally delivered some of that good, sharp passing that they have been known for in prior years but, though he scored from the move forward, Kitboklang Pale was clearly offside and the goal was disallowed. His team mate Maxderidoff Wahlang later had a strong shot on target but it was put out by a defender for a corner.
The two sides continued to slog it out in the second half, with both creating chances at either end without finding the mark.
Arguably the highlight came after substitute Donlad Diengdoh was wrestled to the ground by Langsning defender Ambilstar Sun, leading to a penalty for Mawlai.
The boys in yellow had two chances but were unable to convert either. Fullmoon Mukhim took the first but it was blocked by Langsning gloveman Surjay Kumar Pariyar. However, the assistant referee had spotted that the keeper was off his line before the kick, leading to a retake. This time the usually reliable captain Brolington Warlarpih stepped up for the spot kick but inexplicably blazed it over the crossbar.
Nine minutes of stoppage time were added on, largely because Siwel had to be replaced by Mawlai after an injury. Langsning threw everything they could into securing at least a point but Sheen Sohktung was just inches wide with an attempt while a Mawlai defender then hurled himself in front of a powerful strike by Nelson, which settled the match in Mawlai’s favour.
With 4 points from two games, Mawlai, who drew with Ryntih SC 1-1 in their opener, are now third in the standings, behind Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC, both of whom have 6 points each.
Langsning, meanwhile, are at the very bottom. They lost 3-2 to Lajong in their opener and are thus yet to earn a single point.
The next match, the first of the third round, will take place on Saturday between Nongthymmai SC and Ryntih at 3pm.