Shillong, Jan 31: Rangdajied United FC delivered a commanding performance in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2024, thrashing Ryntih FC 8-0 at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Thursday. The victory, spearheaded by a first-half hat-trick from Owanijuh Pajuh, solidifies Rangdajied’s position as title contenders while extending Ryntih’s dismal losing streak.
Rangdajied wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Owanijuh Pajuh netting three goals in quick succession (12’, 29’, 36’). His opening goal came from a precise volley following a cross by Freddy B Jyrwa, while his second saw him nod in a header after a fine setup by Denelson Pyngrope. His third, though fortunate, slipped through the hands of stand-in goalkeeper Derick Khongsit, crossing the goal line before the keeper could recover.
Before Owanijuh’s hat-trick was completed, he also played the role of provider, setting up Dibormi Kassar (30′) with a low cross for an easy tap-in.
Rangdajied picked up where they left off after halftime, striking three times in under 10 minutes. Wansiewdor Nengnong (47’, 54’), who came on as a substitute, bagged a brace, while Aenam Jyrwa (53’) added his name to the scoresheet with a long-range effort that Khongsit got a hand to but couldn’t stop.
The rout was capped off in the 70th minute, when another substitute, Benny Khriam, headed in a well-delivered cross to complete a miserable outing for Ryntih.
Ryntih, meanwhile, barely troubled Rangdajied’s rock-solid defence, which secured its 10th consecutive clean sheet. Their only notable moment came in the second half when Banteilang Lyngdoh rattled the crossbar with a powerful free-kick.
The win propels Rangdajied United FC to second place in the league standings with 26 points, overtaking Shillong Lajong FC (25 points), though Lajong have two games in hand. Ryntih, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the table with just 3 points and have now suffered 10 straight defeats.
The action continues on Friday as Nangkiew Irat SC take on Sawmer SC at 2:30 PM. Sawmer, who began the season with a 3-2 win over Nangkiew Irat, have struggled in recent weeks, losing their last five matches. Meanwhile, Nangkiew Irat have played out three consecutive draws and will be desperate for a much-needed victory.
