Shillong:
Mawlai blanked Nangkiew Irat 2-0 in the opening match of the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2021-22 at Third Ground, Polo, here today.
Manbha Iawphniaw (52′) and Damonlang Pathaw (58′) scored for Mawlai in the second half.
Two years of the Covid-19 pandemic meant that there has been a real longing for the return of the OC Blue SPL and that could be seen with the great turnout of fans who thronged the temporary stands put up at the ground, with Mawlai having an advantage in terms of turnout.
After a tense first half when both sides had their opportunities to score, Mawlai took control of the contest early in the second 45 minutes.
They started with a shot off the mark by Nikelson Bina but in the 52nd minute Iawphniaw went to ground outside the box and still managed to pull off a terrific strike to go past Nangkiew Irat substitute goalkeeper Bobbyson Nongtdu, who replaced Guidle Syiemlieh at the start of the second