Shillong, Sept 1: Rangdajied United finally opened their account in the Shillong Premier League 2025 with a narrow 1-0 win over Nongrim Hills at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, this evening.
The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Shanborlang Thangkhiew, under pressure from Manbhalang Iawphniaw, turned Bantiplang Khongnoh’s cross into his own net. The own goal handed Rangdajied their first win of the season and their first goal after more than 250 minutes of play.
The result lifts RUFC from ninth to fifth place with 4 points, while Nongrim Hills remain rooted to the bottom after suffering their third consecutive defeat.
Rangdajied dominated the first half, with chances falling to Stephanson Pale, Balamlynti Khongjee, Eijingmut Dkhar, and Denelson Pyngrope. RT Hanson Pdang came closest when his 36th-minute strike rattled the woodwork. Nongrim Hills’ best chance before the break came through Rudolf Shadap, who burst down the flank but shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The second half began with Nongrim Hills on the front foot, but Rangdajied countered strongly. Goalkeeper Ebenson Warbah kept Nongrim Hills in the game with a brilliant diving save to deny Menangpyngdap Khongjee in the 68th minute, before the own goal tilted the balance. Nongrim Hills almost rescued a point in the dying moments when a deflected free-kick fell inside the box, but substitute Bansynshar Kharshong failed to connect.
Tomorrow, defending champions Shillong Lajong take on Laitkor at 4:30pm. Lajong could move into second spot with a win, while sixth-placed Laitkor have a chance to break into the top three.
