Shillong, Oct 7: After near-misses in the last two years, Mawlai redeemed themselves by lifting the Shillong Premier League 2026 title after destroying Rangdajied United 5-0 at the SSA Stadium here today.
Although there are still four games to go for other teams, this was Mawlai’s last and they now have an insurmountable 21 points.
Mawlai were 3-0 up in the first quarter of the game thanks to goals by Basuklang Bina (13’), Arkini Laloo (16’) and Fairming Suting (22’) and they added two more late via Damanbhalang Chyne (83’) and Ricky Chyne (90’) in front of their adoring fans.
Mawlai have been undefeated throughout, winning six matches and drawing three. They have also conceded the fewest goals of all – just 2 – while scoring 17, which is the joint highest. They led in each of the nine rounds of SPL 2026 except for two where 2025 champions Langsning managed to get their noses out in front.
After winning the 2022 and 2023 editions of the SPL, Mawlai had opportunities to win the next two iterations but fluffed their season-ending games. The pressure was thus all on Mawlai today but they held their nerve to claim a convincing victory.
Sixth-placed Rangdajied had several of their first team players on the bench for the start of the game, though a few were introduced in the second half.
The lack of experience was loud and clear right from the start, as Mawlai dominated with their quick one touch passing, which was on a different level today.
The opening goal saw the ball hooked to Basuk, who nailed it from inside the box past defender Mebatskhem L Lyngkhoi and goalkeeper Rangdajied Pathaw, who was playing in his first game of the season.
Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Robertson Khongriah enabled two goals, the first being a free-kick that saw Arkini score. The ball came close to the post, grazed Basuk’s thigh and hit Arkini’s body standing behind. There was little he had to do with the goal but he was happy to take credit for it.
Mawlai’s characteristic one touch play led to the third goal with Fairming smashing a low left-footer. There were further chances, with a would-be second goal for Fairming cancelled for offside before Basuk struck the crossbar.
With Rangdajied gaining reinforcements in the second half and Mawlai sitting on a healthy cushion, the match went into a bit of a stalemate for most of the second half.
It then burst to life with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, with Damanbhalang flicking in a header from a Robertson free-kick before Ricky finished off the job in the 90th minute.
It was a clear demonstration of why Mawlai are consistently one of the best clubs in Shillong and they celebrated their third SPL title, which is the second under the able leadership of the renowned coach Hering Shangpliang.
Mawlai players, officials and fans rejoiced on the field after the final whistle but they will get their hands on the trophy only after the end of the full season. Although the title of champions has been settled, there is still a fierce fight remaining for the other positions; the Top 6 will progress to the SSA Super Cup to follow the SPL, so there is still much to play for.
Tomorrow will be the last match for seventh-placed Sawmer and bottom side Mylliem at 3pm. Mylliem have only pride to play for as it is already confirmed that they will finish in the relegation zone. Sawmer, however, would jump to fifth if they win tomorrow.
