Shillong, July 29: Shillong Lajong edged Nangkiew Irat 1-0 in Game 4 of the Shillong Premier League 2026 at SSA Stadium today, thanks to a first-half goal and a second-half escape act.
Lajong were on top early and made it count in the 37th minute. A corner wasn’t cleared by Nangkiew Irat and Deibormame Tongper stuck out a boot to poke it past keeper Surjay Kumar Pariyar.
The game flipped after the break. Nangkiew Irat came out firing with subs Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw, Justerwell Tham and debutant Yhoto Lohe leading the charge.
Wallam went close twice in four minutes and headed wide on 56. Yhoto then rattled the upright in the 66th and was narrowly wide a minute later. Justerwell added to Lajong’s pain in the 72nd when his powerful shot also beat the woodwork.
Lajong looked rattled at the back. Keeper Lakpa Lama had a day to forget — he was robbed with 10 minutes left and nearly gifted a goal, then flapped at a 90th minute corner. Luck bailed him out as the ball struck Yhoto behind him and trickled wide.
Lajong held on for the win, making this the third 1-0 result of SPL 2026 so far — proof of how tight this season is shaping up.
Nangkiew Irat will feel they deserved more after dominating the second half but failing to find the finish.
Round 1 wraps up tomorrow at 4pm when former champions Mawlai face Laitkor. Mawlai lifted the title in 2022 and 2023, finished runners-up in 2024 and slipped to third last year. Laitkor, who were seventh in 2025, have the tougher climb ahead.
