Shillong, September 29, 2026: Mawlai FC strengthened their bid for the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 title with a 2-0 victory over Meghalaya Police at the SSA Stadium on Tuesday, moving up to second place in the standings.
Arkibor Makhroh scored in the third minute before Damanbhalang Chyne doubled the lead in the 51st minute to secure all three points for Mawlai.
The win takes Mawlai to 15 points from seven matches, just one point behind defending champions and league leaders Langsning. Shillong Lajong occupy third place with 14 points, while Nongkseh are fourth with 13 points. All four teams have two matches remaining in the league.
For Meghalaya Police, the defeat ends their chances of winning the title. They remain fifth with 10 points but will continue their efforts to secure a top-six finish and qualify for the SSA Super Cup, which will follow the SPL.
Mawlai made an early impact when Arkibor found the net following a scramble in front of the Meghalaya Police penalty area, putting the police team under pressure from the outset.
Playing their characteristic fast-paced football, Mawlai coach Hering Shangpliang introduced young players Verjelous Shylla and Lovingstar Suting into the contest as his side looked to maintain the pressure on their opponents.
Jestibor Mawlong worked tirelessly throughout the match and came close to extending Mawlai’s lead with a header that was saved by Meghalaya Police goalkeeper Basuklang Nongsiej.
Meghalaya Police attempted to respond through counterattacks but struggled to break through Mawlai’s organised defence.
Damanbhalang came close to scoring again in the 45th minute when his free-kick from a tight angle forced Basuklang into an excellent diving save. The police defence managed to clear the danger as Mawlai continued to threaten.
Meghalaya Police showed signs of mounting a comeback towards the end of the first half and in the opening minutes after the restart. However, Mawlai remained defensively solid, with goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare recording his sixth clean sheet of the season.
Mawlai doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Damanbhalang worked his way into the penalty area, went past Bikram Chettri and unleashed a powerful shot that left Basuklang with little time to react.
Mawlai continued to create opportunities in the second half, with substitute Fairming Suting striking the upright in the 61st minute. Jestibor later headed a cross wide from a promising position as Mawlai finished the match comfortably.
In Wednesday’s fixture, eighth-placed Rangdajied United will face bottom-placed Mylliem at 3 pm. Mylliem need a victory to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive, as anything less would confirm their drop to next season’s First Division.
