Shillong, August 4: Sawmer FC registered their first victory of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rangdajied United at the SSA Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to an entertaining first-half display.
Oresterwell Langshiang opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Pasborlang Khonglikong restored parity for Rangdajied six minutes later. Wanshanlang Dkhar struck the decisive goal in the 36th minute to seal all three points for Sawmer.
The result marked a strong response from Sawmer after their 1-0 opening defeat to defending champions Langsning, while Rangdajied United, who had drawn 1-1 with Meghalaya Police in their season opener, suffered their first loss of the campaign.
Both sides made changes to their starting line-ups. Sawmer brought in Andy Z. Mawthoh in place of Bickyson Kharkongor, while Rangdajied United introduced Ronald Kharkongor and Khainkupar Iawphniaw for Mebannangkiew Thabah and Mebatskhem L. Lyngkhoi.
The match began at a lively pace, with both teams creating early opportunities. Rangdajied’s Balamlynti Khongjee tested Sawmer goalkeeper Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar with a powerful effort, while at the other end Banteilang Lyngdoh delivered a dangerous cross that was safely gathered by Rangdajied goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer.
Sawmer broke the deadlock from a corner in the 18th minute. Orestar Sad’s delivery was only partially cleared, allowing Oresterwell Langshiang to unleash a low strike that took a slight deflection before finding the back of the net.
Rangdajied responded quickly in the 24th minute as Pasborlang Khonglikong controlled a cross superbly, turned his marker and calmly finished to make it 1-1.
The decisive moment came in the 36th minute. Andy Z. Mawthoh’s initial shot was bravely blocked by Balamlynti Khongjee, but the loose ball fell kindly to Wanshanlang Dkhar, who made no mistake from close range to restore Sawmer’s lead.
Rangdajied United dominated possession after the break and pushed hard for an equaliser. They eventually altered their approach, opting for long balls to the flanks instead of their usual patient build-up play, but Sawmer’s defence stood firm to protect their slender advantage.
After nearly eight minutes of added time, referee Marcillinus P.W. Mawrie blew the final whistle, confirming a valuable 2-1 victory for Sawmer.
The Shillong Premier League continues on Wednesday, with Mylliem taking on Laitkor at 4 pm. Both teams will be aiming to bounce back after opening-round defeats—Mylliem narrowly lost 1-0 to Nongkseh, while Laitkor suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Mawlai.
