Shillong Premier League: Rangdajied United FC reaches final with 1-0 win over Lajong FC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 7, 2024

Rangdajied United FC became the first team to reach the final of the Shillong Premier League 2023 as they edged Shillong Lajong FC 1-0 in their semifinal at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo on Tuesday.

Arlangky Nongsiej clinched the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 31st minute, marking the solitary score of an electrifying knockout encounter. In their previous clash on April 13, Rangdajied defeated Lajong 2-1 during the round-robin stage.

Rangdajied will know who their opponents will be in Saturday’s final tomorrow when defending champions Mawlai SC take on Langsning FC in the second semifinal. That match will also kick off at 3:15pm at the SSA Stadium. 

Today saw Rangdajied play their classic game – not too many hurried attacks, consistent possession and few risks – and it paid off against a Lajong team that were in a massive hurry to strike but who did not have the accuracy to pull it off. 

Henry Nongneng fouled Robert Khongjoh in the box on the left flank, leading to the referee to award a penalty. Arlangky, a defender, stepped up to convert it for his second penalty goal of the season. He sent the ball in low to the left, with Lajong goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang going the other way. 

Earlier, Dibormi Kassar had a second minute strike blocked by Henry, probably one of the few times that Rangdajied had a shot on target in the entire match. 

Lajong kept trying to get the ball to Deibormame Tongper (the season’s top scorer with 8 goals) at the front but he had at least three attempts go wide in the first half, including two before Rangdajied got their goal. 

Rimankhraw Kharumnuid also had a shot put out for a corner by RUFC goalkeeper Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew. 

The second half saw Lajong become increasingly erratic, with their passes poor and touches loose. Rangdajied, on the other hand, were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure, rarely getting the ball deep into their opponents’ half. 

A last bit of action saw Henry head wide from a corner during the five minutes of stoppage time, which summed up the type of day the Reds had. 

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s semifinal clash, anticipation mounts for another fiercely contested encounter. While Mawlai SC has maintained a formidable presence this season, Langsning FC’s resurgence under coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh poses a formidable challenge. Despite Langsning’s remarkable turnaround, Mawlai’s seasoned lineup, bolstered by past championship experience, sets the stage for an enthralling battle for supremacy in the Shillong Premier League.