Langsning comeback helped the defending champions recover from an early setback and beat Rangdajied United 3-1 in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday, August 22. The Round 3 encounter saw Langsning overturn a one-goal deficit through Mebanshngain Kurkalang, Syed Ahmed and Rohan Manar.
The victory was important for Langsning after their 2-1 defeat to Meghalaya Police in their previous league game. Rangdajied, meanwhile, remained without a win after three matches, having earlier drawn with Meghalaya Police and lost to Sawmer.
Rangdajied United take early control
Rangdajied began the match with attacking intent and created the first significant openings. Mebannangkiew Thabah fired over the bar in the seventh minute, while Samuel L Kynshi later struck the woodwork with a free-kick.
The pressure eventually produced the opening goal in the 25th minute. Franky Dkhar found the net with a low finish to put Rangdajied 1-0 ahead.
Langsning were forced to respond, but Rangdajied continued to threaten. A defensive mix-up almost allowed Freelyson Tariang to extend the lead, although Mebanshngain Kurkalang intervened to block the attempt.
Langsning, however, managed to find a crucial equaliser just before half-time.
Langsning comeback begins before the break
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Kurkalang scored in the 45th minute plus three minutes to bring Langsning level. The goal changed the mood heading into the interval and gave the defending champions renewed momentum.
Kurkalang’s impact was particularly notable because he had joined Langsning from Rangdajied United ahead of the 2026 season. He was among a group of new signings brought in as Langsning strengthened their squad.
The equaliser also continued a pattern seen in Langsning’s recent matches. During the Durand Cup earlier this month, the team recovered from two goals down against Nongkseh to draw 2-2, with Kurkalang and Syed Ahmed scoring within five minutes of each other.
Syed Ahmed puts Langsning ahead
Langsning returned from the break with greater purpose and gradually took control of the contest.
Their pressure was rewarded in the 65th minute. Allen L Nongbri delivered a corner towards the far post, where Syed Ahmed rose to head the ball into the net. The goal completed the turnaround and gave Langsning a 2-1 advantage.
Ahmed has been one of Langsning’s key attacking additions this season. He previously played for FC Bengaluru United and had already made an impact during the club’s Durand Cup campaign. He scored twice in Langsning’s 5-0 win over Mumbay FC and also found the net in their 2-2 draw with Nongkseh.
With the lead secured, Langsning continued to attack rather than simply protect their advantage.
Rohan Manar seals the Langsning comeback
Rohan Manar put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute. Alex Manar set up the substitute, who finished to make it 3-1 and complete a convincing second-half turnaround for the champions.
The goal was also significant for Manar, who had scored Langsning’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Meghalaya Police. That result had left the defending champions on three points from their opening two matches.
For Rangdajied, the defeat extended a difficult opening to the SPL campaign. They had entered the match with one point from two games and were still searching for their first victory.
A timely boost for the defending champions
The win gives Langsning an important boost as the Shillong Premier League season develops. Their ability to recover from setbacks has emerged as a notable feature of their recent performances, both in the SPL and the Durand Cup.
The 3-1 result also showed the depth of the defending champions’ squad. Kurkalang, Ahmed and Manar provided the goals, while the team responded effectively after falling behind early.
Langsning will now look to build on this result and establish greater consistency in their title defence. Rangdajied, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they continue their search for their first league win of the season.
The Shillong Premier League remains closely contested, and Langsning’s latest Langsning comeback has ensured that the defending champions remain firmly in the early-season conversation.
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