By Our Reporter
Shillong, Aug 22: Reigning champions Shillong Lajong ran away with a whopping 5-0 victory against Malki in the Shillong Premier League 2025 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Friday.
Lajong were utterly dominant and once they found the opening through Mebannangkiew Thabah (31’) further goals flowed via Emanbha Marbaniang (39’, 51’), Ribor L Lyngkhoi (47’) and Firstborn Khongsit (84’).
Malki had won their first match against Laitkor 1-0 while Lajong were held to a goalless draw by Rangdajied United.
Lajong were thus hungry to get their title defence going with a win under their belts and they were able to do so commandingly today, with the Reds ruling the pitch. Franklin Surong, who was the hero for Malki in goal against Laitkor, tried as best he could but Lajong were a different proposition. He did make three good saves early on in the game but had to answer to the opening goal.
Lajong’s strike came from a corner that went out to the edge of the box. Mebanaibok Kharbudnah fired it towards goal but it was heading wide and thus required Mebannangkiew to stretch out his boot to send the ball into the net. Less than 10 minutes later Mebannangkiew hit the upright with another attempt and the rebound fell for Emanbha to convert.
Malki had one fairly good opportunity in the first half, which was arguably their only one of the game.
Fashioning Syngkli got past the defenders on a run from the middle of the pitch but had SLFC goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang charge at him.
He then had to take the ball deep on the left and, with only a tight angle available to him, Fashioning attempted a shot but it landed on the roof of the net.
Changing ends, two goals were scored in the first six minutes of the second half, with Ribor whacking in a shot from a cross, while Emanbha headed in another cross, with both balls coming from the left side of the pitch.
Both sides switched out several players after this point. Lajong were in a more comfortable position and therefore could bench some of their key contributors.
The game relaxed a little but birth forth again when Firstborn headed in a corner in the last few minutes.
Victory takes Lajong to second in the standings with 4 points, behind Nangkiew Irat’s 6. Malki are one of three sides on 3 points each, the others being Sawmer and Mawlai.
On Saturday, giants Langsning and Rangdajied United will face off at 4:30pm.