Shillong, September 10: Rangdajied United ended their winless run in the Shillong Premier League 2026 with a 3-1 comeback victory over Laitkor at the SSA Stadium here on Thursday.
Laitkor took the lead through Hamingbert Nongbet in the 32nd minute, but Rangdajied turned the game around after the break with goals from Franky Dkhar (53’), Mebannangkiew Thabah (73’) and Pasborlang Khonglikong (88’).
Rangdajied had scored in each of their previous three matches but had managed just one point from those outings. The victory lifted them to seventh place and out of the relegation zone, while Nongkseh dropped to eighth and Laitkor to ninth.
Laitkor created the better chances during the opening half-hour, with Samuel Suting and Hamingbert narrowly missing the target in the first 20 minutes. Shanborlang Nonglait then headed a corner over the bar when he had a good opportunity to open the scoring.
Laitkor eventually broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Samborwell Mynsong found Hamingbert, who showed composure to work his way into a shooting position before slotting the ball between a Rangdajied defender and goalkeeper Meshanbanjop Sumer.
Rangdajied’s best chances before half-time fell to Elnathan D Wahlang, who shot wide, and Freelyson Tariang, whose effort was blocked by advancing Laitkor goalkeeper Deranius Wahlang.
Rangdajied levelled eight minutes into the second half after Deranius carried the ball outside his penalty area while attempting to clear. Franky Dkhar took the resulting free-kick and struck a low effort through the defensive wall, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Rangdajied continued to press after the equaliser and took the lead in the 73rd minute. An attack down the left ended with Mebannangkiew Thabah receiving the ball and guiding it past the goalkeeper’s left.
Laitkor came under increasing pressure as Rangdajied looked for a third. Mebannangkiew almost added another after racing forward on a counterattack from his own half, but opted to shoot from a tight angle and missed the target.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 88th minute. Balamlynti Khongjee delivered a cross towards Pasborlang Khonglikong, who managed to hook the ball into the net from a near-seated position after going to ground, producing arguably the finest goal of the evening.
Rangdajied goalkeeper Meshanbanjop Sumer also played a crucial role in securing the three points, making two important saves late in the game, including a fingertip stop to deny Wadskhem Marbaniang.
Nongkseh will take on Meghalaya Police at 3:30pm on Friday. Both sides were promoted to the SPL from the First Division last year, with Nongkseh having enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2025 but facing a tougher start in the top flight this season.
