Shillong, Aug 3: The second round of the Shillong Premier League 2026 kicks off Tuesday with a do-or-die duel as Sawmer FC and Rangdajied United chase their first win of the season at the SSA Stadium. Kick-off is at 4pm.
Both sides stumbled out of the blocks. Sawmer were edged 1-0 by defending champions Langsning on July 25, holding firm until an 81st-minute winner. Rangdajied had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Meghalaya Police three days later.
Last season RUFC finished fifth and Sawmer sixth, and early signs suggest little has changed in how evenly matched they are.
Rangdajied carry pedigree but also pressure. Seven-time runners-up and SPL champions in 2013, they have spent the off-season reloading. Attacker Dameki Khongstia remains their main threat, though he limped off around the hour mark in the last game and is a doubt. The signing of Henryford Nongneng from Shillong Lajong has shored up the backline and added experience to a young squad.
Sawmer earned respect despite defeat to Langsning. Compact and disciplined, they absorbed waves of attack and threatened on the break. New faces Raikutshisha Buam and Banteilang Lyngdoh gave them an edge going forward and ensured the champions had to work hard for all three points.
With zero points each and pride on the line, Tuesday is about momentum. Rangdajied will lean on history and home support, Sawmer on grit and their counter-attacking bite.
One thing is certain: someone’s SPL 2026 account will finally get off the mark at the SSA.
