Shillong: Rangdajied United FC clinched their first victory of the Shillong Premier League 2025 with a narrow 1-0 win over Nongrim Hills at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, this evening.
The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Nongrim’s Shanborlang Thangkhiew accidentally turned a cross into his own net while trying to fend off Manbhalang Iawphniaw at the far post, handing RUFC a vital three points.
Both teams had entered the match without a win. Rangdajied, who had drawn 0-0 with Shillong Lajong in their opener and suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Langsning, had to wait more than 250 minutes into their campaign for their first goal of the season. The victory lifted them from ninth to fifth place with 4 points, while Nongrim Hills slumped to the bottom of the table after three straight defeats.
The first half saw Rangdajied dominate with multiple chances through Stephanson Pale, Balamlynti Khongjee, Eijingmut Dkhar and Denelson Pyngrope, while RT Hanson Pdang’s shot hit the woodwork. Nongrim Hills’ best chance fell to Rudolf Shadap, who intercepted a pass and charged upfield, but his strike flew wide despite beating the goalkeeper.
Nongrim Hills came out stronger after the break, applying pressure in the opening 10 minutes, but Rangdajied countered effectively. Nongrim custodian Ebenson Warbah was kept busy, pulling off a fine diving save to deny Menangpyngdap Khongjee before the own goal shifted the balance. Nongrim’s last opportunity came in stoppage time when a free-kick deflected off the wall, but Bansynshar Kharshong failed to capitalise.
Tomorrow, defending champions Shillong Lajong will take on Laitkor at 4:30 pm. Lajong could move up to second with a win, while Laitkor, currently sixth, could break into the top three.
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