SHILLONG : Shillong Lajong ended Nongkseh’s remarkable unbeaten run in Shillong Sports Association competitions with a 1-0 victory in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium on Thursday evening.
Nongkseh had gone unbeaten in SSA competitions since November 2024, but their impressive run finally came to an end after Shillong Lajong secured all three points through a second-half penalty.
The decisive moment came in the 55th minute, when a handball inside the Nongkseh penalty area handed Lajong an opportunity from the spot.
Lalmuansanga made no mistake, sending his penalty to the left of Nongkseh goalkeeper Daraphun Talang. The goalkeeper guessed correctly but was unable to get a hand to the well-placed effort.
The result adds another chapter to what has been a competitive rivalry between the two sides in local competitions. While Lajong defeated Nongkseh in the Durand Cup last month, the club fielded a different squad in that national-level competition.
In the local league, Nongkseh had previously enjoyed the upper hand, recording two wins and two draws in their previous meetings with Lajong.
Lajong goalkeeper stands firm
Nongkseh had opportunities to take the lead, particularly in the first half.
In the 17th minute, Dawanchwa Challam tested Lajong goalkeeper Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew, who fumbled the shot. Shano Tariang nearly reached the loose ball, but Lajong managed to clear the danger.
Banshanskhem otherwise produced an excellent performance and helped Lajong maintain a perfect defensive record. After three rounds of the Shillong Premier League 2026, Shillong Lajong are yet to concede a goal.
Lajong also threatened in the 36th minute after launching a quick counterattack. Ricky Kharkongor raced towards goal to meet a long ball, but Daraphun came off his line first and cleared the danger.
Nongkseh push for equaliser
Nongkseh looked compact for much of the match, but their execution in the final third was lacking.
Their second-half start was particularly ragged, with Hamedamanbha Wahlang and Arlangky Nongsiej both receiving yellow cards for fouls.
After falling behind, Nongkseh pushed forward in search of an equaliser, leaving themselves more exposed defensively.
Lajong had opportunities to put the game beyond doubt but failed to capitalise. Deibormame Tongper missed a good opportunity from close range, while Nongkseh’s desperate defending denied Lajong another goal late in the game.
The best chance for a second goal came in the 82nd minute. Rimankhraw Kharumnuid moved through the centre before releasing the ball to the right for Deibor. He got into a dangerous position, but Nongkseh defenders intervened at the crucial moment.
Mawlai lead SPL standings
After three rounds, Mawlai, Meghalaya Police and Shillong Lajong are all on seven points.
Mawlai currently sit at the top of the table with a +6 goal difference, followed by Meghalaya Police on +3 and Shillong Lajong on +2.
With Nongkseh’s long unbeaten run now over, the competition at the top of the Shillong Premier League 2026 is beginning to intensify.