Shillong Premier League 2019: Penultimate Round

Shillong Lajong FC is on the verge of lifting their fourth Shillong Premier League title.

Rangdajied United would need a miracle on the final day to overcome their rivals after their 3-3 draw against Nongrim Hills.

Wham! Buam! As Lajong score five

Shillong Lajong demolished defending champion, Langsning, 5-0 in the penultimate round of the league.

Going into the match, the former I-League team was on 21 points, one point ahead of their closest rivals Rangdajied United. Langsning was out of contention in the defense of their title.

Phrangki Buam was the start of the show as he opened the scoring in the 29th minute. 1-0 at the break.

The second half started with a bang. Naorem’s cross after a speedy run on the left found an unmarked Buam. The diminutive midfielder made it 2-0 in the opening minute of the second half.

In the 73rd minute, an attempt to stop a cross by Langsning’s defense wrong-footed the goalkeeper and the ball trickled into the net. 3-0 to Lajong.

Parvaj Bhuiya beat the offside trap and outran the Langsning defense before finishing neatly in the 79th.

Buam completed his hattrick in injury time. His attempted Panenka from the penalty spot was parried by the Langsning goalkeeper, Frolicson Dkhar. Buam followed up and headed in Lajong’s fifth goal.

Earlier in the week, Lajong had to rely on Kenstar Kharshong’s 90th-minute header to beat Nangkiew Irat and secure three points.

Lajong face third-placed Ryntih in the final match. They will require at least one point to seal the title. Meanwhile, Langsning will face Rangdajied United – Lajong’s title challengers.

Rangdajied has a mountain to climb after draw against Nongrim Hills

An exciting 3-3 draw between Rangdajied United and Nongrim Hills has left Rangdajied in a must-win situation in the final round of the Shillong Premier League.

The match started with both teams creating half-chances. It was in the 38th minute when the match came truly alive. A poor backpass by Rangdajied’s Ronald fell kindly to Batifar Swer, who rounded off goalkeeper Padam Chettri to give Nongrim Hills the lead.

The title looked out of reach for Rangdajied in the 49th minute when Damanbha Chyne’s shot from out of the box beat Chettri all ends up. 2-0 to Nongrim Hills.

The 2013 SPL champions were given a lifeline when Russel Ningkynrih fouled Chanmetre Thma in the box. Former Mumbai City FC defender, Aiborlang Khongjee, converted from the spot in the 69th minute.

Three minutes later, Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw header in a Raikutshisha Buam corner to level the scores.

Nongrim Hills roared back into the lead with Justerwell Tham firing in a wonderful goal from the edge of the box in the 80th minute.

The drama did not end there. Within three minutes, Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw met Samson’s header across the six-yard box with a low, diving header. 3-3 with seven minutes to play.

Rangdajied fashioned a couple of chances in the dying seconds but had to contend with a solitary point.

Rangdajied United will face Langsning on the final day, while Nongrim Hills will face Nangkiew Irat to close their season.

Ryntih see off Laban with ease

Three goals in the first half ensured a comfortable 3-1 win for Ryntih over Laban at the HN Stadium.

With one match to play, Laban is all but relegated from the Shillong Premier League. Ryntih is likely to finish in third place.

Badonkupar Marbaniang scored a brace with goals in the 22nd and 36th minute. Robert Khongjoh made it 3-0 in the 40th.

Bickyson Kharkongor pulled one back for Laban in the 61st minute, but it was only a consolation.

Laban face Nangkiew Irat in their final match, while Ryntih faces champions-in-wait Shillong Lajong.

[With inputs from the ever excellent coverage of sports in Meghalaya: The Sports Room.]