Shillong, Aug 13: Malki marked their return to the Shillong Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Laitkor in the fourth match of the 2025 season at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, today.
Fashioning Syngkli struck in under 45 seconds, tapping in a cross from the right to give Malki the perfect start. Laitkor’s troubles deepened when Felixdarren Suting received a straight red card for denying a clear goal-scoring chance.
The real hero of the match was Malki goalkeeper Franklyn Surong, who pulled off a string of brilliant saves, including a crucial 58th-minute penalty stop from Euvasius Mawthoh. Surong also denied Sanky Kharkongor, Freelyson Tariang, and Samborwell Mynsong in the closing stages to preserve his clean sheet.
Laitkor, who finished fifth in their debut SPL season last year, fought valiantly in the second half despite their numerical disadvantage but could not breach the inspired Malki defence.
Malki, promoted from the First Division after two seasons, had few chances after their opener but held on for all three points.
The next fixture sees Rangdajied United face defending champions Shillong Lajong on 18 August at 5:30pm, a match postponed from 9 August due to the Durand Cup.
