SHILLONG : Meghalaya Police made their return to the Shillong Premier League after an eight-year absence with a 1-1 draw against Rangdajied United FC at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday evening.
Dameki Khongstia put Rangdajied United ahead in the 20th minute before Meghalaya Police striker Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi equalised in the 53rd minute to earn his side a point in their return to the state’s top-flight football competition.
Meghalaya Police were regular participants in the local top flight before being relegated at the end of the 2018 season. The team secured its return to the Shillong Premier League after finishing runners-up in the First Division in 2025.
With much of their squad retained, the major question ahead of the match was whether Meghalaya Police would be able to match the pace and quality of SPL opposition.
Their performance against Rangdajied United suggested that they are capable of competing at this level, although their opponents are no longer the dominant force they were in previous years. Rangdajied United finished fifth in the previous SPL season and also failed to make a major impact in the recent Meghalaya State League.
Rangdajied United took the lead in the 20th minute after some uncertainty in the Meghalaya Police defence. Goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh was slightly out of position while attempting to cover the ball on the left side, allowing Dameki Khongstia to receive a well-placed pass and finish into an open net.
Meghalaya Police struggled to create clear opportunities in the opening half. Marbiangki Suchiang, however, managed to get a shot away with some purpose, although the effort went over the crossbar.
The police side came out with greater intent after the break and found the equaliser in the 53rd minute. Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi, who was the top scorer in the First Division last year, saw his effort take a fortunate deflection before looping over Rangdajied United goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer.
Meghalaya Police then had an opportunity to take the lead when Rapborlang Marwein unleashed a powerful effort, but Meshan produced a good save to palm the ball over the crossbar.
Rangdajied United’s Elnathan Wahlang also came close towards the end, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Eveningstar Bareh as both sides settled for a share of the points.
The Shillong Premier League continues on Wednesday, with five-time champions Shillong Lajong taking on Nangkiew Irat at 4pm.
Shillong Lajong finished runners-up in the 2025 SPL, while Nangkiew Irat ended the campaign in fourth place. Their previous meeting was a decisive draw on October 18, a result that ultimately cost Shillong Lajong the opportunity to claim a record sixth SPL title.