Shillong, Oct 6: Nangkiew Irat and Meghalaya Police played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here today.
Three goals were scored in the first quarter of the match, with Everestarly Rynjah (12′) and Rapborlang Marwein (21′) scoring for MLP and Yhoto Lohe (13′) for Nangkiew Irat. Neblejohn Lyngdoh (85′) headed in the second equaliser just a few minutes from the end.
This was the last match of Nangkiew Irat’s this season and it should be enough for them to avoid relegation, though they will have to wait to see how the last few games pan out. They stay in eighth place with 9 points, tied with Sawmer, but they will not qualify for the upcoming SSA Super Cup, which is open to the Top 6 SPL teams.
MLP, meanwhile, moved to fifth place with 11 points and have a game to go. A chipped ball forwards led to Everestarly getting through the defence to score from close range. However, the police let their guard down at the restart, with Nangkiew Irat winning a corner after some lovely work by Jefferson Pakyntein. The corner was flicked in expertly by Yhoto to level the scores.
Rapborlang restored MLP’s lead a few minutes later with a long-range strike and Nangkiew Irat maintained their interest in the contest, with Nikelson Bina later forcing MLP goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh into a fingertip save. Edyvenson Dhar then thought he had equalised for Nangkiew but he was found to have been offside.
In the second half MLP were on the defensive from the beginning, not through choice but because Nangkiew Irat continuously made attacking moves. However, the police managed to resist these moves and the game was on a more level keel when Neble came in and headed a cross into the back of the net and this proved to be the last goal of the game.
If the situation around tomorrow’s match seems familiar, that is because it really is. Leaders Mawlai will take on sixth-placed Rangdajied United at 3pm and at the end of 90 minutes there will either be new champions or the race for the title will continue further into the week.
If Mawlai win they will lift the SPL trophy for a third time, having previously won it in 2022 and 2023. This was the same situation for them in their last game of the 2025 season. In fact, they were up against the same opponents and needed to win to take the crown. Instead, Rangdajied, who were mid-table finishers last year too, put up an excellent display to draw 1-1, which had the result of consigning Mawlai to third and handing the title to Langsning.
Then there was 2024 when Mawlai were leading going into the final day and only needed a point against Shillong Lajong. However, Mawlai lost their only game of the season and SLFC claimed the trophy.
Mawlai have the same coach in charge – the renowned Hering Shangpliang – and many of the same players across the two seasons – Fairming Suting, Damanbhalang Chyne, Arkibor Makhroh, Samlang Rympei, Kevin Rymbai, Robertson Khongriah and more.
No doubt they will be well aware of the history but whether that plays on their minds or gives them added encouragement to put the ghosts of the past behind them will be seen tomorrow.
