First SPL exit in four years for Royal Wahingdoh

December 9: Royal Wahingdoh stood their ground until the end before bowing out of the Shillong Premier League with a 3-2 loss to Malki on Monday at the JN Sports Complex. The match also witnessed some rather ugly moments when players of both sides were involved in an on-field altercation following physical on Wahingdoh defender Deepak Singh. The Royals started off strongly to take a first half lead before Malki sprung back to finish with a 3-2 win. This is the first time in four years that Royal Wahingdoh failed to make it to the finals of the Shillong Premier League, after winning the previous three editions.

The Royals’ took the lead in the 26^th minute through a beautiful low left-footer by Jacki. The Wahingdoh forward collected a rebound before taking a low shot that easily beat Malki keeper Maitshaphrang Kharumnuid. Malki came back in the 52^nd minute to level scores with Ronny Nongbri heading in a cross.

Timmy Ryngkhlem gave Malki their second goal in the 58^th minute before the Royals bounced back in the 69^th minute with Jackichand Singh scoring his second goal. Jacki’s free kick took a deflection off the Malki defence before gliding into the nets.

An extra time goal by Batskhem Tariang eventually allowed Malki a 3-2 win.