Nongthymai SC produced a ruthless away performance in the Indian Shillong Premier League on 24 September 2026, defeating Mawtawar SC 4-1 at the Mawtawar SC Ground. The visitors were clinical in front of goal, scoring four times to claim a convincing victory and hand Mawtawar a chastening home defeat.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Nongthymai SC set the tone with an aggressive high press and quick vertical passing. Mawtawar SC lined up in a 4-4-2 shape, hoping to stay compact and hit on the counter, while Nongthymai deployed a flexible 4-3-3 that overloaded the flanks and created constant problems for the home side’s back line. The match kicked off at 14:45 local time under clear skies, and the early exchanges suggested a lively contest was ahead.

Nongthymai needed just 12 minutes to break the deadlock. A turnover in midfield allowed Donbor Kharsyntiew to drive at the defence, and he finished low into the bottom corner to silence the home crowd. Mawtawar responded well, gradually finding space between the lines, and they equalised in the 28th minute when Banshan Lyngdoh rose highest to head home a corner from the right. For a brief period, the hosts looked capable of taking control.

However, Nongthymai regained the lead four minutes before half-time through a moment of individual brilliance. Rilang Marbaniang curled a free kick over the wall and into the top corner, restoring the visitors’ advantage and shifting the momentum back in their favour. That goal proved to be the turning point of the match.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal (0-1): Donbor Kharsyntiew capitalised on a loose pass and finished clinically from the edge of the box.
• 28' – Goal (1-1): Banshan Lyngdoh powered a header past the goalkeeper from a corner, giving Mawtawar brief hope.
• 41' – Goal (1-2): Rilang Marbaniang’s precise free kick restored Nongthymai’s lead just before the break.
• 63' – Goal (1-3): Kharsyntiew completed his brace after a lightning counter-attack, slotting past the onrushing keeper.
• 78' – Goal (1-4): Substitute Pynshai Lyngdoh added a fourth, finishing off a flowing move with a first-time strike.

Mawtawar’s best chance of the second half fell to Lyngdoh again, but his header flashed wide. Nongthymai goalkeeper and defence dealt comfortably with the few crosses that came their way, and the visitors managed the closing stages with professionalism.

Tactical Story

Nongthymai SC’s dominance stemmed from their control of midfield. The trio of Kharsyntiew, Marbaniang, and captain Shanbor Nongrum rotated cleverly, dragging Mawtawar’s midfielders out of position and creating lanes for the wingers to exploit. The high press also forced Mawtawar into several hurried clearances, which were recycled quickly by Nongthymai’s back line.

Mawtawar SC, by contrast, struggled to maintain possession for long spells. Their equaliser came from a well-worked set piece, but in open play they were often reduced to hopeful long balls. The home side’s defence held a high line in the first half, but Nongthymai’s pace in behind proved decisive after the interval. Once the third goal went in, the contest was effectively over, and Nongthymai were able to see out the match with relative ease.

Standout Players

Donbor Kharsyntiew (Nongthymai SC) was the clear man of the match, scoring twice and constantly testing the Mawtawar defence with his movement and finishing. His second goal, a composed finish on the counter, highlighted his growing reputation as one of the league’s sharpest forwards.

Rilang Marbaniang (Nongthymai SC) was equally influential, scoring a superb free kick and providing an assist for the fourth goal. His set-piece delivery and link-up play kept Nongthymai ticking throughout.

For Mawtawar SC, Banshan Lyngdoh was the brightest spark, scoring their only goal and working tirelessly up front. Goalkeeper Meban Lyngdoh made several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat, but he was left exposed by his defence on too many occasions.

Season Impact and Table Context

The result lifts Nongthymai SC into the upper half of the Shillong Premier League standings, giving them a valuable away win and strengthening their push for a top-four finish. The three points also improve their head-to-head record against Mawtawar SC, extending an unbeaten run in recent meetings between the two sides.

Mawtawar SC, meanwhile, remain in the lower reaches of the table and will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities quickly. Conceding four goals at home is a significant setback, and the coaching staff will be eager to tighten up before their next fixture. Nongthymai SC will look to build on this performance when they r