Shillong, July 28: Eight years after relegation, Meghalaya Police announced their comeback to the Shillong Premier League with a spirited 1-1 draw against Rangdajied United at the SSA Stadium this evening.
Rangdajied drew first blood in the 20th minute. A moment of hesitation in the Police backline allowed Dameki Khongstia to slot home into an open net after goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh was caught slightly out of position on the left.
MLP, who lost their SPL status at the end of 2018, earned promotion back by finishing runners-up in the First Division last year. Retaining largely the same squad, the big question was whether they could handle the pace of top-flight football. The answer came in the second half.
Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi, last season’s First Division top scorer, pulled the cops level in the 53rd minute. His strike took a deflection and looped over Rangdajied keeper Meshan Banjop Sumer to make it 1-1.
The Police pushed for a winner. Rapborlang Marwein came close with a thunderous effort that Meshan tipped over the bar. Rangdajied responded through Elnathan Wahlang, but Eveningstar was equal to it.
Rangdajied, who finished fifth in SPL 2025 and struggled in the recent Meghalaya State League, looked sharper than before but lacked the cutting edge to seal all three points.
For Meghalaya Police, the draw was more than just a point. It was proof that they still belong at this level.
The SPL continues tomorrow with a big clash as five-time champions Shillong Lajong take on Nangkiew Irat at 4pm. Lajong finished runners-up last season while Nangkiew Irat were fourth. Their last meeting on October 18 ended in a draw that denied Lajong a record sixth title.
