Shillong, Oct 1: In what will go down as one of the greatest comebacks in Shillong Premier League history, Shillong Lajong overturned a three-goal deficit to stun Mawlai 4-3 at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
The reigning champions looked destined for their first defeat of the season after goals from Samlang Rympei (22’), Fairming Suting (46’) and Loving Suting (53’) gave Mawlai a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead. But Lajong clawed their way back in stunning fashion through braces from Emanbha Marbaniang (58’, 67’) and Deibormame Tongper (64’, 80’) to snatch all three points.
The result lifts Lajong above Mawlai in the standings, both on 12 points, though the Reds now hold the head-to-head advantage despite an inferior goal difference (+8 to Mawlai’s +10). Leaders Nangkiew Irat, on 13 points, were the other beneficiaries of today’s outcome.
The first half ended 1-0 in Mawlai’s favour after Samlang’s shot took a deflection that wrong-footed goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang. Deibormame came close for Lajong with an effort on the roof of the net, while Wanteilang produced a superb save to deny Brolington Warlarpih from a free-kick.
Mawlai roared into the second half, with Fairming drilling in within seconds of the restart and Loving adding a third after a solo run from the halfway line. At 3-0, the game appeared done and dusted.
But a lapse in defensive intensity proved costly. Substitute Emanbha smashed home Lajong’s first before Deibor rose high to head in a cross. With Mawlai rattled, Banlamkupar Rynjah delivered a perfect ball from the right that Emanbha converted for the equaliser. Moments later, Deibor’s powerful left-footed strike completed the extraordinary turnaround, sending the Lajong bench into raptures.
Mawlai pressed hard late on, striking the upright in stoppage time, but the momentum had swung away. Deibor was sent off for a second yellow card near the end, yet Mawlai could not capitalise on the numerical advantage.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations from Lajong, who treated the victory like a title triumph. Mawlai’s players, meanwhile, vented frustration at the officials, though having squandered a 3-0 cushion, they were ultimately the architects of their own downfall.
The Shillong Premier League 2025 resumes on Friday with Malki facing Rangdajied United at 4:30pm in the opening fixture of Round 7.
