Shillong, Mar 19: Shillong Lajong came from a goal down to win 2-1 against Chanmari FC in the Indian Football League 2025-26 in Aizawl today.
Phrangki Buam (45’+2P, 90’+5) scored late in each half after the hosts had gone ahead in the 16th minute via P Christopher Kamei.
This was Lajong’s first game away from home this season and it also proved to be Chanmari’s first defeat in the IFL.
SLFC coach Birendra Thapa made just a solitary change to his starting lineup from the loss to Diamond Harbour a few days ago – out went Kitboklang Khyriem and in his place came Samuel Muansang.
With this win, Lajong move to the top of the standings – three teams are tied on 7 points each but the Reds have it better by goal difference over Rajasthan United and by goals scored over Sreenidi Deccan. However, Round 4 will only conclude tomorrow, so Lajong may not hold the position at the top for very long.
It was a frantic start with chances at both ends bringing out memorable saves from both keepers. Shillong’s Siwel Rymbai being the busier of the two but his citadel was breached in the 16th minute by a stunning left-footed curler over the wall by Kamei.
Chanmari continued to dominate possession and were the more attacking of the sides.
Lajong equalised against the run of play in the first half injury time. Everbrightson Mylliempdah managed to get behind his man at the end of a long ball. Though the danger seemed to have been averted, Chanmari goalkeeper Zothanmawia lunged in with both feet, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Buam hit the underside of the crossbar with a powerful spot-kick and saw the ball fall inside the line. Both sides went into the dressing rooms on level terms.
Chanmari began the second half in similar attacking fashion but were guilty of missed chances which could have put the game beyond Lajong.With the introduction of Tremiki Lamurong alongside Phrangki, the visitors injected a bit more pace in attack and started creating more chances as the game reached its end stages.
Their efforts bore fruit, when with six minutes added on, yet another substitute Jakob Vanlalhimpuia, made a run on the left flank, before finding Phrankig with a perfectly-weighted cross. The latter made no mistake with the finish past Zothanmawia. The clock showed a minute more of added time left and Shillong had pulled off a heist.
Lajong will travel to bottom side Gokulam Kerala next for their fifth round fixture on 26th March.
Shillong Lajong squad today:
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Rudra Ved, Saveme Tariang, Kenstar Kharshong, Samuel Muansang, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Gladdy Kharbuli (sub Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem 59′), Lamlallian, Abhay Gurung (sub Tremiki Lamurong HT), Everbrightson Mylliempdah (sub Jakob Vanlalhimpuia 85′), Phrangki Buam
(Indian Football League photo)
