Late brace seals Sawmer’s first win in Shillong Premier League

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 20, 2025

A dramatic late brace by substitute Khainkupar Iawphniaw secured Sawmer a 4-2 victory over Nongrim Hills in Match 6 of the Shillong Premier League 2025 at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Wednesday.

Sawmer twice went ahead through Diego Khyriem (36’) and Khrawkupar Tamu (51’), only for Nongrim Hills to hit back with goals from skipper Bankitboklang Nongrum (43’) and Banpynkmenlang Kharsati (76’). Just when the contest looked headed for a draw, Khainkupar made the decisive impact, striking in the 80th and 85th minutes to seal Sawmer’s first win of the season.

Both teams entered the clash looking to recover from opening-day defeats—Mawlai’s 6-2 hammering of Sawmer and Nangkiew Irat’s 3-1 win over Nongrim Hills. With three points at stake, Sawmer rose to the occasion.

Diego, last season’s top scorer, opened the account with a thumping shot after controlling a high bounce. Nongrim Hills hit back before the break, Bankit curling in a superb left-footer beyond the keeper. Sawmer regained the lead early in the second half when Orestar Sad’s corner found Khrawkupar, who headed home with precision.

Nongrim Hills had chances of their own, with Banpynkmenlang eventually bundling in an equaliser from a set-piece to level the score at 2-2. But Khainkupar’s fresh legs proved unstoppable, as he twice outpaced the defence to clinch all three points for Sawmer.

The result lifts Sawmer into the top half of the table, while Nongrim Hills slip to the bottom.