Shillong, Sept 3: A scintillating second-half hat-trick by Alem Khongwir handed Mylliem their first-ever win in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) as they defeated Malki 3-0 in the 15th match of the 2025 season at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, here today.

After a cagey, goalless first half, Alem broke the deadlock in the 55th minute before adding two more in the 64th and 70th minutes. His strikes came via left foot, header, and right foot, completing a rare perfect hat-trick and the first treble of the ongoing season.

Both sides had earned promotion from the First Division last year—Malki as champions and Mylliem as runners-up. Their only previous clash saw Malki edge Mylliem 2-1, but the latter looked a transformed unit this season with several new faces strengthening their squad.

The first half offered few clear chances. Malki’s Bankit Nongkhlaw impressed with an interception and run down the flank, but his cross went unconverted. Fashioning Syngkli then wasted a 10th-minute free-kick, blasting it well wide.

The momentum shifted after the break, with Mylliem’s pace proving decisive. Remark Kharmalki, Shaibor Nongrum, and Alem repeatedly stretched Malki’s backline. Shaibor saw his initial effort blocked by Fedrick Wahlang, but moments later, he delivered a perfect through ball for Alem to slot past goalkeeper Franklin Surong for the opener.

Alem’s second came from a well-placed corner by Remark, which he nodded in comfortably. He completed his hat-trick soon after, outrunning defenders on the right flank before finishing clinically with his right foot.

The victory lifted Mylliem to fifth place with 4 points, level with former champions Langsning and Rangdajied United. Malki, meanwhile, slipped into the relegation zone, tied with Laitkor and Sawmer but bottom on goal difference despite holding a head-to-head edge over Laitkor.

Tomorrow’s Round 4 opener will see Rangdajied United take on leaders Nangkiew Irat at 4:30 pm.