Langsning toil hard to secure victory over Rangdajied

SPL 2026: Langsning toil hard to secure victory over Rangdajied Langsning produced a determined second-half performance to overturn a one-goal deficit and defeat Rangdajied United 3–1 in the opening match of Round 3 of the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium on Saturday evening. Franky Dkhar gave Rangdajied the lead in the 25th minute, but defending champions Langsning fought back through Mebanshngain Kurkalang in first-half stoppage time before Syed Ahmed and Rohan Manar completed the comeback in the second half. The result gave Langsning a much-needed victory after their opening win over Sawmer was followed by a defeat to Meghalaya Police. Rangdajied, meanwhile, had drawn with Meghalaya Police before losing to Sawmer. Langsning made three changes to their starting lineup, with coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh bringing in Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Kyrmenskhem Mukhim and Denelson Pyngrope in place of Nister Roy Suting, Apborlang Kurbah and Samuel Phawa. Rangdajied coach Aibanjop Shadap made five changes, bringing in Bantiplang Khongnoh, Mebannangkiew Thabah, Freelyson Tariang, Elnathan D Wahlang and Eijingmut Dkhar for RT Hanson Pdang, Ronald Kharkongor, Dameki Khongstia, Pasborlang Khonglikong and Khainkupar Iawphniaw. Both sides started brightly and produced an engaging contest from the opening whistle. Rangdajied created the first notable chance in the seventh minute when Mebannangkiew Thabah sent his effort over the crossbar. Langsning responded in the 14th minute when Samuel L Kynshi struck the crossbar with a free-kick. A few minutes later, a lack of communication between Mebanshngain Kurkalang and goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh presented Freelyson Tariang with an opportunity, but his effort was blocked by Meban. Rangdajied eventually made their pressure count in the 25th minute. Franky Dkhar produced a composed finish with a low left-footed effort that was placed beyond the reach of Rajat Paul to put Rangdajied ahead. Langsning immediately began searching for an equaliser and came close through Samuel and Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, but Rangdajied managed to hold firm. The pressure finally paid off deep into first-half stoppage time. Following a set piece, Mebanshngain rose highest to head the ball into the net, bringing Langsning level at 1–1 just before the interval. Langsning returned for the second half determined to turn the game around, but Rangdajied continued to resist and remained dangerous. The defending champions finally took the lead through Syed Ahmed. Allen L Nongbri delivered a corner towards the far post, where a Langsning teammate headed the ball back into the danger area before Syed completed the move with a header of his own. With the lead secured, Langsning continued to press rather than sit back. Their persistence was rewarded in the 88th minute when substitute Rohan Manar put the result beyond doubt. After good work from Alex Manar created the opening, Rohan finished the move to seal a 3–1 victory for the defending champions. Langsning’s comeback underlined their resilience after falling behind early, while Rangdajied were left to rue missed opportunities after competing strongly for much of the contest. The SPL 2026 action will continue on Monday when Meghalaya Police face Sawmer. Source - Highland post