Shillong, October 2: Mawlai FC moved a step closer to the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 title after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sawmer at the SSA Stadium on Friday.

Damanbhalang Chyne gave Mawlai the lead in first-half stoppage time (45’+1), before Orestar Sad equalised for Sawmer in the 62nd minute. Substitute Jestibor Mawlong scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute to seal all three points for Mawlai.

Despite taking the lead twice, Mawlai faced intense pressure in the closing stages, with Sawmer hitting the woodwork twice in the final moments. However, Mawlai held on to secure a crucial victory in their title campaign.

With eight rounds completed, Mawlai returned to the top of the standings with 18 points, followed by Shillong Lajong with 17, Langsning with 16 and Nongkseh with 13. Sawmer remained seventh with nine points.

Mawlai will clinch the title if they defeat Rangdajied United in their next match on Wednesday.

Mawlai started brightly, with Lovingstar Suting testing Sawmer goalkeeper Urbanity Makhroh in the opening minute. The goalkeeper, making his season debut, denied the early attempt.

Mawlai continued to apply pressure, but Sawmer defended resolutely. Wadshwa Latoo managed to find the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Just before half-time, Mawlai broke the deadlock when a misplaced pass in Sawmer’s half allowed Ricky Chyne to gain possession. Instead of shooting, Ricky laid the ball off to Damanbhalang, who finished from the left in the 45th minute of stoppage time.

Sawmer responded strongly after the break. Bickyson Kharkongor forced Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare into a save, while another promising opportunity went begging as Sawmer struggled to make the most of their attacking moves.

Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Orestar Sad met a cross and struck the ball firmly into the net to restore parity. The goal was only the second Mawlai had conceded in the SPL 2026 campaign.

Mawlai regained the lead in the 76th minute after Sawmer goalkeeper Urbanity failed to deal with a cross from the right. The loose ball fell to substitute Jestibor Mawlong, who made no mistake in finding the net.

The closing stages proved tense for Mawlai as Sawmer launched a late assault. Diego Khyriem struck the upright before Orestar Sad’s follow-up effort hit the crossbar, leaving Mawlai relieved to escape with the victory.

Although the performance was far from convincing, the three points strengthened Mawlai’s position at the top of the table ahead of their decisive encounter with Rangdajied United next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Nongkseh will take on relegation-threatened Laitkor on Saturday at 3 pm. Nongkseh need a victory to keep their title hopes alive, while Laitkor, currently ninth, could climb to seventh place with a win.