Shillong, Oct 18: Reigning champions Mawlai SC and Rangdajied United FC set the bar high in their OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 clash on Friday, with Mawlai coming through as 3-2 victors at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here.
This was the last match of the first round and the first of the season to be played under floodlights, with a huge crowd of eager fans thronging the stadium.
Khrawkupar Jana (3’, 13’) and Fairming Suting (78’) struck for Mawlai while Balamlynti Khongjee (4’) and Manbha Iawphniaw (77’) scored for Rangdajied.
Khrawkupar scored both of his goals with blistering left-footers against his former club, the first after receiving a pass from Damanbhalang Chyne. This was the fastest goal of the season so far and was quickly followed by the second-fastest as Rangdajied equalised soon after. Balamlynti was given ample space in front of goal and took his shot, with Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare slightly unsighted by defenders in front of him.
The game started to settle down from there but Khrawkupar was not done yet. This time he manoeuvred himself into position on the edge of the box and unleashed another left-footer to once again beat RUFC goalie Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew low to the custodian’s left.
Rangdajied started moving the ball better in the second half and created more opportunities and found their second equaliser when Manbhakupar Iawphniaw headed in a cross from the right flank.
Parity barely lasted 60 seconds, however, as Fairming converted a chance brought about by a beautiful cross from Kevin Rymbai.
There was even more action to follow, with Damanlang striking the crossbar while on the run and Rangdajied had three set-pieces in quick succession but were held off by a Mawlai outfit that look eager and capable of defending their title.
On Saturday, Nongrim Hills SC will be in action against Sawmer SC at 5:30pm. Both sides had registered victories in their first matches – Nongrim Hills by walkover against Laitkor SC and Sawmer 3-2 against Nangkiew Irat SC.
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