Shillong, Oct 3: Rangdajied United registered a much-needed 4-1 victory against Malki in the Shillong Premier League 2025 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Friday.
Rangdajied scored through Denelson Pyngrope (16’P), Pasborlang Khonglikong (64’), Wansiewdor Nengnong (76’) and Freddy Jyrwa (79’). Malki’s goal was by Hilford Lyngkhei (39’).
This was only RUFC’s second win of the season – they had previously won 1, drew 3 and lost 2 matches – and it took them to 9 points and sixth place in the standings. They are tied with Sawmer on points and have a better goal difference (-1 to -8) but Sawmer have head-to-head advantage after winning against Rangdajied on 10 September. Malki remain in eighth place, just out of the relegation zone, on 6 points.
The first match of Round 7 saw Rangdajied start off with a penalty after Micky Marwein went down flat in the box. His team mate Denelson Pyngrope then expertly converted the spot kick, sending it low past Malki goalkeeper Franklin Surong.
Malki, however, showed promising touches and found an equaliser before half time. A free-kick dropped into the box and after a moment or two where neither side seemed able to deal with it, Hilford connected his boot and poked it into the net.
Rangdajied retook the lead just under 20 minutes into the second half when a goal kick from Franklin came straight back at him with Pasborlang outrunning his marker and scoring from distance.
Franklin would go on to deny RT Hanson Pdang with a sharp save a few minutes later but he could do nothing to prevent RUFC’s third goal, which resulted from a counterattack.
Wansiewdor raced from his own half with the ball and took a running shot that was out of reach of the opposition custodian even at full stretch.
The game was well and truly put to bed three minutes later when Rangdajied demonstrated good anticipation, touch and passing, resulting in substitute Freddy nailing a shot from the right flank.
Rangdajied’s previous six matches had only yielded four goals in total, so they were able to double their tally in this game alone.
Although the SPL 2025 title seems a distant dream, they will want to carry positive momentum forwards as they look to finish in the Top 6, which would put them in contention for the SSA Super Cup, which is to follow the SPL.
On Saturday, Mawlai will be back in action against Laitkor at 4:30pm.
Third-placed Mawlai had sensationally lost to Shillong Lajong a few days ago and need to pick themselves up from that defeat.
Seventh-placed Laitkor, on the other hand, are on a three-game unbeaten streak and will aim to extend that against Mawlai.
