Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya Police pulled off a massive upset by beating defending champions Langsning 2-1 at the SSA Stadium. Rapborlang Marwein scored the opener just before half-time after his free-kick took a deflection. He later set up Aldrin Ramsiej for the 89th minute clincher. Rohan Manar grabbed a stoppage-time goal for Langsning, but the comeback stalled. Police keeper Eveningstar Bareh thwarted Richie Kharbani and Syed Ahmed to secure the win.
Elsewhere, Nangkiew Irat and Nongkseh finished in a 1-1 draw on August 19. Nangkiew Irat grabbed an early lead when Jefferson slotted home following a defensive lapse. Kitboklang Pale equalized for Nongkseh after a cross from Kynsailang Khongsit. Both teams pressed hard for a winner. Surjay Kumar Pariyar made two big late saves for Nangkiew Irat, while Nongkseh's Dawanchwa C Challam missed a header in the seventh minute of added time. Nongkseh forward Chesterpaul Lyngdoh was a constant threat throughout the match.
Personnel changes shaped both fixtures. Nongkseh made seven swaps following their Durand Cup run. Meghalaya Police brought in Niawkorlang Kyndiah and Balmingstar Lyngkhoi, while Langsning adjusted with four starters including Nister Roy Suting and Samuel Phawa. Current league standings place Meghalaya Police at the top with four points. Nongkseh sits in second with four points. Nangkiew Irat holds one point. The league continues Friday as Mawlai faces Shillong Lajong. Reflecting on the tight competition, one observer noted, "Nongkseh responded by putting sustained pressure on their opponents and earned a string of corners in the first half."
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