By Our Reporter
Shillong, Sep 1: Rangdajied United eked out a 1-0 victory over Nongrim Hills in the Shillong Premier League 2025 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Monday evening.
An own goal by Shanborlang Thangkhiew in the 74th minute gave Rangdajied a full 3 points from a contest that saw both sides create numerous strong chances in an entertaining 90 minutes.
Neither club had won before today – Rangdajied had a point from their opening 0-0 result against defending champions Shillong Lajong but then lost to Langsning 4-0. Their first goal of the season thus came more than 250 minutes into their SPL 2025 campaign when Bantiplang Khongnoh put a cross into the box.
Shanborlang had to shield the ball from Rangdajied’s Manbhalang Iawphniaw at the far post but, in the process, inadvertently put it into his own net. The win takes RUFC from ninth to fifth place and they now have 4 points. Nongrim Hills, on the other hand are in a spot of bother as they have lost all three of their games so far and are at the bottom of the table.
The first half largely belonged to Rangdajied, who had a string of chances, both in open play as well as through winning several corners.
The action started early with Stephanson Pale making a beautiful run into the Nongrim Hills area but the latter’s goalkeeper Ebenson Warbah stood his ground and blocked a shot on goal.
Balamlynti Khongjee, Eijingmut Dkhar and Denelson Pyngrope all had chances in the minutes that followed but possibly the best of the lot belonged to RT Hanson Pdang, whose shot kissed the woodwork in the 36th minute.
Nongrim Hills had one good opportunity before half time belonging to Rudolf Shadap, who worked tirelessly throughout the match. He intercepted a pass and then ran with the ball – leaping over the sliding tackle of a defender in the process – up the right flank. Rangdajied keeper Kerichard L Marshillong (making his first appearance this season) charged out and Rudolf had a tight angle to score from but his shot was wayward.
The game was turned on its head in the second half, with Nongrim Hills making all the forays forward in the first 10 minutes.
Rangdajied then started to counter, with Nongrim Hills custodian Ebenson called on to make a diving save to deny Menangpyngdap Khongjee in the 68th minute.
RUFC then got their fortuitous goal and the last bit of action of the evening saw Nongrim Hills almost pinch an equaliser when a free-kick took a deflection off the defensive wall but Bansynshar Kharshong could not reach the rebound.
On Tuesday, Lajong will be in action against Laitkor at 4:30pm.
Lajong could move to second if they win, while Laitkor are currently sixth and could move into the Top 3 with victory.