Shillong Lajong FC clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Nongrim Hills SC in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 at the SSA Stadium, Polo, today. Deibormame Tongper’s 89th-minute strike proved decisive, securing three points for Lajong in a match filled with missed chances for both teams.
Returning to the league after a month, Lajong now have 16 points from seven games. Meanwhile, Nongrim Hills concluded their first-leg campaign with 13 points from nine matches (4 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses), ending their three-game winning streak.
The first half saw little action apart from a heated altercation that resulted in four yellow cards—two for each side. The second half, however, was packed with goal-scoring opportunities.
Deibormame came close on three occasions before finally delivering the winner. His earlier attempts were thwarted by Nongrim Hills goalkeeper Urbanity Makhroh, who made crucial saves, including blocking a header and cutting off a through ball. Nongrim Hills also had their moments, with Alem Khongwir’s cross creating a series of chances that were ultimately squandered, including a collision between two players in the box.
In the dying minutes, Deibormame redeemed himself by converting a low left-footer after a left-wing attack, sealing the win for Lajong and celebrating with visible relief.
The next SPL match will see Nangkiew Irat SC face Rangdajied United FC tomorrow at 2 PM. Both teams are tied at 12 points, but Rangdajied hold an advantage with a better goal difference and two games in hand.
