Shillong, Aug 21: Mawlai retained top spot in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 standings after playing out a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Shillong Lajong at the SSA Stadium here this evening.
Both sides had won their opening-round matches. Lajong defeated Nangkiew Irat 1-0 on July 29, while Mawlai recorded the biggest win of the season so far with a 5-0 thrashing of Laitkor the following day.
The encounter also revived memories of some memorable recent clashes between the two sides. Last season, Lajong produced a remarkable comeback to beat Mawlai 4-3 after trailing by three goals, while in the 2024 season-ending fixture, Lajong secured their fifth SPL title with a 2-1 victory over Mawlai.
Mawlai made one change to the team that defeated Laitkor, with Lovingstar Suting replacing Samlang Rympei. Lajong, meanwhile, made three changes, bringing Badondor Marbaniang, Freddy Jyrwa and Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew into the starting XI in place of Emanbha Marbaniang, Rimankhraw Kharumnuid and Lakpa Lama.
Mawlai looked particularly dangerous on the counter and came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute. Lovingstar Suting unleashed a shot towards goal, but Mebanaibok Kharbudnah made an important clearance off the line to keep Lajong level.
Lajong had opportunities of their own. Abelson Jachi sent a half-volley wide in the 20th minute, while Deibormame Tongper came close in stoppage time of the first half. However, his attempt with his weaker right foot failed to connect cleanly.
The tempo increased after the break, with both teams creating openings at either end.
Mawlai’s Robertson Khongriah fired just over the crossbar in the 53rd minute, while Basuklang Bina was denied by a quick defensive intervention in the 62nd.
Lajong continued to search for a winner late in the game. Substitute Lalmuansanga headed a free-kick wide in the 81st minute, while Galbraith Laitmon dragged another effort wide in the closing stages.
The stalemate brought the second round of SPL 2026 to a close.
Four teams are now level on four points, but Mawlai sit top thanks to their superior +5 goal difference. Meghalaya Police, Nongkseh and Shillong Lajong all have a +1 goal difference, making goals scored the next tiebreaker. Meghalaya Police lead that group with three goals, followed by Nongkseh with two and Lajong with one.
The third round begins on Saturday, with defending champions Langsning taking on Rangdajied United at 6pm. Langsning have three points, while Rangdajied United have one, with both teams coming into the fixture after defeats in their most recent matches.
