Shillong, Oct 20: The beautiful game produced a thrilling twist on the final day of the Shillong Premier League 2025, as Langsning FC were crowned champions after Mawlai SC were held to a 1-1 draw by Rangdajied United FC in the last match of the season this evening.
Langsning, who had played their final fixture on October 14, faced an anxious wait, needing two key results to go in their favour — Shillong Lajong’s 0-0 draw with Nangkiew Irat on Saturday, and today’s stalemate between Mawlai and Rangdajied. Both outcomes fell their way, sealing Langsning’s remarkable triumph.
The team’s celebrations began as fireworks lit up the skies over the SSA Stadium in Polo. Langsning ended the season with 20 points, edging out Lajong (19 points) and Mawlai (19 points). This marks Langsning’s third SPL title, following back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.
The achievement is particularly impressive given that Langsning had finished a disappointing sixth in SPL 2024. Head coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh orchestrated a strong comeback, retaining key players such as Dajiedlang Wanshnong, Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Chusrang Sangma, and Manbhalang Nongmin, while bolstering the squad with smart signings, including top scorer Donlad Diengdoh, Apborlang Kurbah, and promising youngsters Samuel Phawa and Wanshwadame Diengdoh.
This refreshed Langsning side took time to find rhythm, winning just one of their first three matches before finishing the season in style with four consecutive victories.
In today’s decisive fixture, Mawlai took the lead in the 50th minute through Ricky Chyne, who converted from a corner. However, Rangdajied’s Pasborlang Khonglikong equalised just eight minutes later to dash Mawlai’s title hopes.
Mawlai dominated possession and created several chances, but could not convert. Rangdajied goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer produced two superb saves early on, though he almost gifted Mawlai a goal before halftime when he spilled a high ball into the path of Banraplang Pyngrope, whose effort struck the crossbar.
Mawlai’s relentless, fast-paced approach appeared to work against them as they seemed hurried in the latter stages. A more composed strategy might have produced the goal they desperately needed. Rangdajied, meanwhile, were positive in attack and the point lifted them to fifth in the final standings.
With the league wrapped up, the Top 6 teams — Langsning, Lajong, Mawlai, Nangkiew Irat, Rangdajied, and Sawmer — have qualified for the Shillong Super Cup. Champions Langsning and runners-up Lajong will proceed directly to the semifinals, while the other four sides will contest the playoffs. The Shillong Sports Association will announce further details soon.
