Shillong, August 22: Defending champions Langsning produced a spirited comeback to defeat Rangdajied United 3-1 in the opening match of Round 3 of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 at the SSA Stadium here on Saturday evening.
Rangdajied took an early lead through Franky Dkhar in the 25th minute, but Langsning turned the game around with goals from Mebanshngain Kurkalang (45+3’), Syed Ahmed (65’) and substitute Rohan Manar (88’).
The result marks Langsning’s second win of the season. They had earlier defeated Sawmer before suffering a defeat against Meghalaya Police. Rangdajied, meanwhile, had drawn with Meghalaya Police before losing to Sawmer.
Both teams started aggressively, with chances coming at either end. Mebannangkiew Thabah sent an effort over the bar in the seventh minute, while Samuel L Kynshi struck the crossbar from a free-kick in the 14th.
Rangdajied eventually broke the deadlock when Franky Dkhar fired a low left-footed effort beyond Langsning goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh in the 25th minute.
Langsning pushed for an equaliser and came close through Samuel and Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, but Rangdajied’s defence managed to hold firm.
However, the defending champions found their breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time. Mebanshngain Kurkalang headed home from a set-piece in the 45th+3 minute to send the teams into the interval level at 1-1.
Langsning continued to apply pressure after the restart, but Rangdajied remained competitive and resisted their opponents’ attacks.
The champions finally went ahead in the 65th minute. Allen L Nongbri delivered a corner to the far post, where a Langsning player headed the ball back into the danger area before Syed Ahmed rose to head home and make it 2-1.
Langsning continued to press for a third and were rewarded in the 88th minute. Substitute Rohan Manar completed the comeback after being set up following good work by Alex Manar.
The victory takes Langsning into the next phase of their SPL campaign with renewed momentum, while Rangdajied will look to bounce back in their next outing.
The SPL 2026 action resumes on Monday at 3:40 pm, with Meghalaya Police taking on Sawmer.
