Shillong, July 25: Defending champions Langsning began their Shillong Premier League 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a determined Sawmer side at the SSA Stadium on Saturday, in the opening match of the tournament’s 15th edition.
It was far from comfortable for Langsning. Despite strengthening their squad ahead of the Durand Cup 2026, the new-look team looked disjointed for large parts of the game and struggled to convert chances.
Syed Ahmed, their towering striker, had a quiet first half and spurned his best opportunity in the 69th minute when Kyrmenskhem Mukhim set him up unmarked in front of goal, only for him to swing and miss. Samuel L Kynshi was also guilty of wastefulness, heading over just before the break and then seeing two attempts in one move early in the second half either blocked or miscued.
Sawmer matched the champions for effort and created problems of their own. Raikutshisha Buam came close with a 38th minute header that was well saved by Langsning goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh. At the other end, Sawmer custodian Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar was outstanding throughout, pulling off a series of fine saves to keep his team in the contest. Sawmer also failed to capitalize on two promising free-kicks in the second half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute. Samuel Phawa delivered a cross from the left and Kyrmen, stationed at the far post, tapped it in past a helpless Dkhar to give Langsning the win.
Senior members of the Shillong Sports Association were present to inaugurate the season, which remains one of the most popular sporting events in Meghalaya.
The action continues on Monday at 6pm when newly promoted Nongkseh take on Mylliem. It will be only Mylliem’s second season in the SPL after they narrowly avoided relegation last year, and they face a tough opening test against Nongkseh, who have been dominant in local tournaments over the past year.
