Shillong, August 21: Mawlai retained first place in the Shillong Premier League 2026 after a gruelling 0-0 draw with Shillong Lajong at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
Both teams won their opening round matches. Lajong were 1-0 winners against Nangkiew Irat on 29 July while Mawlai soared to a 5-0 triumph against Laitkor the day after in what is the biggest margin of victory this season.
Mawlai and Lajong have delivered memorable and highly consequential moments in the SPL in recent years, such as last year’s incredible 4-3 win for Lajong after they were three goals down and the 2024 season-ending match where SLFC took their fifth SPL crown with a 2-1 victory.
Mawlai made just one change from their win against Laitkor, with Lovingstar Suting coming in for Samlang Rympei. On the other hand, there were three changes for Lajong, who added Badondor Marbaniang, Freddy Jyrwa and Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew to the starting lineup while taking out Emanbha Marbaniang, Rimankhraw Kharumnuid and Lakpa Lama.
Mawlai were most dangerous in counterattacks and they came closest to scoring in the 30th minute when Lovinstar Suting drove a shot towards the goal but the ball was cleared off the line by Mebanaibok Kharbudnah of SLFC.
Lajong had their chances in the first half too, with Abelson Jachi skewing a half volley in the 20th minute. Deibormame Tongper then had a go at giving Lajong the lead in stoppage time but his less-favoured right foot appeared to catch more of the turf than the ball and his shot went nowhere.
The second half was played at a rapid pace, with action at both ends of the pitch. Robertson Khongriah went just over the crossbar in the 53rd minute for Mawlai and his teammate Basuklang Bina was denied by a quick-witted defender in the 62nd.
For Lajong, substitute Lalmuansanga headed a free-kick wide in the 81 minute and Galbraith Laitmon dragged another shot wide a few minutes from the final whistle.
This was the last match of the second round of SPL 2026. There are four teams on 4 points each but Mawlai have the best goal difference (+5) and are therefore first. The next three teams all have a goal difference of +1, so goals scored comes into play, with Meghalaya Police (3) ahead of Nongkseh (2) and then Lajong (1).
Tomorrow defending champions Langsning will take on Rangdajied United at 6pm in the first match of Round 3. Langsning have 3 points and Rangdajied 1 but both lost their most recent match.
