Nangkiew Irat stuns Mawlai with 2-0 win in Shillong Premier League

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 21, 2025

Nangkiew Irat secured a historic victory over Mawlai, the two-time SPL champions, with a 2-0 win at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Thursday.

Himanshu Patil (14’) and Ronaldkydon L Nonglait (68’) scored on either side of half-time to give Nangkiew Irat the upper hand.

Since returning to the SPL in 2022, Mawlai had rarely been held scoreless, making this defeat only their fourth SPL loss since then—and the first to Nangkiew Irat. Both teams had won their opening 2025 fixtures—Mawlai 6-2 against Sawmer and Nangkiew Irat 3-1 versus Nongrim Hills—leaving Nangkiew Irat at the top of the provisional standings with six points.

Mawlai tried to impose their fast-paced game from the start, but Nangkiew Irat deliberately slowed the tempo, frustrating their opponents even before taking the lead. Errors played a key role in both goals. For the opener, a pause for treatment saw Mawlai slow to regroup, allowing Jefferson Pakyntein to deliver a precise cross for Himanshu to head into the net.

In the second half, a misplaced pass by Mawlai substitute Dameki Khongstia set up Nangkiew Irat’s second. Raikutshisha Buam’s low diagonal pass found Ronaldkydon at the edge of the box, who calmly slotted home a left-footer beyond Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Mawlai never gave up and created chances, including a near-miss header from Balajied Syiemlieh and efforts from Robertson Khongriah and Ricky Chyne, but Nangkiew Irat’s defence—anchored by seasoned veterans Dibinroy Nongspung and Restom Khriam—held firm.

Mawlai also appeared to miss the presence of Donlad Diengdoh, who moved to Langsning this season. Nangkiew Irat, meanwhile, have strengthened a core squad that finished fourth last year with key additions like Dibinroy, Raikutshisha, and Himanshu, the recent top scorer in the Maharashtra Senior Men’s League.

SPL 2025 action resumes tomorrow with defending champions Shillong Lajong taking on Malki at 4:30 pm.