Shillong Lajong strengthened their position at the top of the provisional Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 standings with a convincing 2-0 victory over Meghalaya Police at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on September 1. Ricky Kharkongor and Lalmuansanga scored in either half as Lajong extended their unbeaten start to four matches and handed Meghalaya Police their first defeat of the campaign.
Shillong Lajong Maintain Unbeaten Start
The result marked another strong performance for Shillong Lajong, who have now collected 10 points from their opening four SPL matches. The team remains the only side in the competition yet to concede a goal in the 2026 campaign, underlining its defensive consistency alongside its attacking threat.
Before the meeting, both teams had enjoyed identical records, with two wins and one draw from their first three matches. However, Lajong’s pace, movement and ability to create chances in dangerous areas eventually proved decisive.
The victory also sent Lajong to the top of the provisional table, while Meghalaya Police slipped from second to fourth and remained on seven points.
Early Pressure Sets the Tone
Lajong began the match with attacking intent and created opportunities during the opening stages. Freddy Jyrwa and Lalmuansanga both tested the Meghalaya Police defence within the first 10 minutes.
Galbraith Laitmon then came close from a free-kick that narrowly cleared the crossbar. Meghalaya Police goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh was also forced into action, producing an excellent save with his outstretched boot to deny Lalmuansanga.
The sustained pressure eventually resulted in the opening goal shortly before half-time.
Ricky Kharkongor Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute, with Lalmuansanga creating the opportunity from the left. After moving into space, he delivered a cross into the box, allowing Ricky Kharkongor to finish with a volley and put Lajong ahead.
Kharkongor picked up an injury during the process and was substituted at half-time. His goal, however, gave Lajong a valuable advantage going into the break.
Meghalaya Police had limited opportunities during the first half. One of their better openings fell to Aldrin Ramsiej, who fired wide as Lajong’s defence continued to keep the pressure under control.
Lalmuansanga Doubles the Advantage
Meghalaya Police had an opportunity to respond early in the second half when they won a free-kick near the edge of the penalty area. Bikram Chettri’s effort, however, sailed high over the goal.
Lajong soon made the most of another defensive lapse. A misplaced back pass allowed the Shillong side to regain possession, and Lalmuansanga took full advantage.
The forward moved around the advancing Eveningstar Bareh before calmly guiding the ball across the line in the 54th minute to make it 2-0.
The second goal gave Lajong greater control, although the side continued to create opportunities. Lalmuansanga came close to adding another goal on more than one occasion, while Eveningstar later produced an important save from a penalty after Bikram Chettri was penalised for a foul inside the box.
Meghalaya Police Fight Until the End
Despite falling two goals behind, Meghalaya Police continued to look for a way back into the match. Rapborlang Marwein provided attacking options, while Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi also threatened from a set-piece situation.
However, Lajong’s defence remained firm. Fridison Wanniang came close to extending the advantage when his powerful attempt struck the crossbar.
Meghalaya Police also had a late opportunity when Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi headed a Rapborlang Marwein free-kick over the bar. The missed chances ensured that Lajong completed another clean-sheet victory.
Race for the SPL 2026 Top Spot
The result has given Shillong Lajong an early advantage in the SPL 2026 title race. With 10 points from four matches and no goals conceded, the club has made an impressive start to the competition.
Meghalaya Police, meanwhile, will look to recover from their first setback. Their opening three games had produced seven points, including an important 2-1 victory over defending champions Langsning.
The next phase of the tournament will test whether Lajong can maintain their defensive record while continuing to convert their attacking opportunities into points.
For now, the 2-0 victory over Meghalaya Police represents another significant step for Shillong Lajong. The unbeaten run continues, the defence remains unbreached and the club has moved to the top of the provisional standings, setting up an increasingly competitive SPL 2026 campaign.
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