Shillong, Aug 4: Sawmer FC finally got off the mark in the Shillong Premier League 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rangdajied United at the SSA Stadium today, built on a fast and fiery first half.
Oreterwsell Langshiang struck in the 18th minute to put Sawmer ahead, and Wanshanlang Dkhar added a second in the 36th. Rangdajied’s Pasborlang Khonglikong had pulled one back in the 24th, but it proved to be only a brief equaliser as Sawmer held on for their first three points of the season.
Both sides came into the game searching for a breakthrough after disappointing openers. Rangdajied had drawn 1-1 with Meghalaya Police last week, while Sawmer were edged 1-0 by defending champions Langsning.
There were changes to both lineups. Sawmer brought in Andy Z Mawthoh for Bickyson Kharkongor, while Rangdajied gave starts to Ronald Kharkongor and Khainkupar Iawphniaw in place of Mebannangkiew Thabah and Mebatskhem L Lyngkhoi.
The game burst into life early. Balamlynti Khongjee tested Sawmer goalkeeper Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar with a firm shot inside 10 minutes, and at the other end Rangdajied keeper Meshan Banjop Sumer had to deal sharply with a dangerous cross from Banteilang Lyngdoh.
The opener came from a corner. Orestar Sad swung it in, the ball broke out to Oresterwell on the edge, and his low drive took a deflection on its way past Meshan. The lead lasted just six minutes. A cross found Pasborlang inside the box, and he controlled, turned and finished clinically to make it 1-1.
Sawmer regained the advantage 12 minutes later. Andy’s shot was blocked on the line by a sliding Balamlynti, but the rebound fell perfectly for Wanshanlang, who made no mistake from close range.
The second half told a different story. Rangdajied pushed forward and enjoyed more of the ball, but struggled to break down a compact Sawmer defence. As time ran out, they abandoned their usual build-up play and resorted to long balls out wide, but Sawmer stayed disciplined, dropped deep and absorbed the pressure. Referee Marcillinus PW Mawrie signalled nearly eight minutes of added time, but the Sawmer backline held firm to secure the win.
The SPL continues on Wednesday at 4pm when Mylliem take on Laitkor. Both teams will be eager to bounce back after opening defeats — Mylliem lost 1-0 to Nongkseh on July 27, while Laitkor suffered a heavy 5-0 loss to Mawlai.
