Shillong, Sep 3: A second-half hat-trick by Alem Khongwir gave Mylliem their first-ever victory in the Shillong Premier League as they defeated Malki 3-0 in the 15th match of the 2025 season at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Wednesday.
After a goalless first half, Alem struck in the 55th, 64th and 70th minutes. His first goal was scored with his left boot, the second a header, and the third with his right foot, making this a perfect hat-trick. It was also the first treble scored by any player this season.
Both clubs were promoted from the First Division 2024, which Malki won, and Mylliem were runners-up in. In their only meeting last season, Malki won 2-1, but Mylliem have undergone numerous changes in personnel as they sought to prepare for their maiden SPL season.
Neither side lit up the first half, though Malki’s Bankit Nongkhlaw made a good interception and then sprinted up the left flank before delivering a cross into the box, though none of his teammates were able to get to the ball in time. A free-kick in the 10th minute on the edge of the box was then wasted by Malki, with Fashioning Syngkli sending it well wide.
Mylliem truly sprang to life in the second half. Remark Kharmalki, Shaibor Nongrum and Alem showed how dangerous they could be with their speed, enabling them to outrun their opponents time and again.
Shaibor had the first chance, but Malki defender Fedrick Wahlang had the pace to track back from the halfway line and block his shot. However, just a minute later, Shaibor provided Alem with a through ball, and there was no stopping the striker, who has been one of the fastest players in the SPL for several years now.
Alem slotted that ball low past goalkeeper Franklin Surong’s left, and he then doubled the lead less than 10 minutes later. Remark’s corner found Alem with a defender behind him, allowing the Mylliem player to head it in quite comfortably from close range.
The third goal saw Alem on the right, and, with his characteristic speed, he was able to get past the defenders and slot home with his right boot.
Victory moved Mylliem up to fifth place, one of three clubs on 4 points each, alongside former SPL champions Langsning and Rangdajied United. Malki dropped into the relegation zone, though they are tied with Laitkor and Sawmer. Malki have a head-to-head advantage over Laitkor, which may prove crucial later on but based on goal difference, they are the worst of the trio.
Tomorrow, in the first match of Round 4, Rangdajied United will be up against leaders Nangkiew Irat at 4:30 pm.
