Shillong, Oct 18: Nangkiew Irat proved to be the ultimate spoilers as they held defending champions Shillong Lajong FC to a tense 0-0 draw in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, this evening, effectively ending Lajong’s hopes of retaining their title.
Akash Thapa, Nangkiew Irat’s goalkeeper, was the star of the show, pulling off a string of brilliant saves to keep Lajong at bay. Having spent most of the season on the bench, Thapa was drafted into the starting XI only recently but delivered a commanding performance that frustrated the league leaders throughout the game.
The stalemate leaves Shillong Lajong with 19 points, currently in second place, while Langsning FC top the table with 20 points. Mawlai SC (18 points) now have the chance to claim the championship if they defeat Rangdajied United FC in the season’s final fixture on Monday.
Earlier in the day, Sawmer SC secured their SPL status for another season with a 3–1 victory over Malki SC. Diego Khyriem (32’), Michaelson Kurbah (45’), and Khainkupar Iawphniaw (84’) were on target for Sawmer, while Fashioning Syngkli (87’) scored a late consolation for Malki, whose defeat confirmed their relegation to next season’s First Division.
What made Nangkiew Irat’s result even more remarkable was that they played nearly an hour with 10 men following Khangmiki Pale’s dismissal for a second yellow card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they displayed exceptional discipline and resilience in defence.
This was only the second goalless draw of the SPL 2025 season — the other also involving Lajong and Rangdajied. Despite being unbeaten this year, Lajong have been held to four draws, costing them valuable points in the title race.
Lajong started strongly, with Iohborlang L. Lyngkhoi forcing Akash Thapa into an early save in just the second minute. The rebound was swiftly cleared by Kitdorlang L. Nonglait. However, despite dominating possession and chances — including three strikes denied by the woodwork — Lajong failed to find the breakthrough.
Coach Bobby L. Nongbet made several attacking substitutions in the second half, including introducing top scorer Emanbha Marbaniang, but Nangkiew Irat coach Joseph Naik’s defensive setup held firm. Thapa’s confident handling and powerful punches ensured that any loose balls were cleared from danger.
The result sets up a thrilling finale to the season. The Mawlai vs Rangdajied match, rescheduled from October 9 due to heavy rain, will kick off at 4:15 PM on Monday.
A Mawlai victory will earn them a third SPL title, while a draw or defeat will hand the championship to Langsning, also their third triumph. Rangdajied, meanwhile, have their own motivation to fight — Sawmer’s win has dropped them to sixth on head-to-head count, and they will be eager to reclaim a higher position with at least a point.
