Shillong, Oct 31: Last season’s runners-up Shillong Lajong FC will begin their Indian Football League 2026–27 campaign against Mohammedan Sporting, while debutants Samaleswari SC will take on two-time champions Gokulam Kerala FC in a double-header today.
The match between Mohammedan and Lajong will be played at the Kalyani Football Stadium in Kolkata from 4PM. Later in the evening, Gokulam Kerala will host Samaleswari at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode at 6:30PM.
Both matches will be telecast live on DD Sports and streamed live on Unite8 YouTube Channel, Zee5 and WAVES App.
Mohammedan begin the new season in a competition they know well. The Black Panthers last played in it in 2023–24, when they were crowned champions and earned promotion. They return with a familiar face in the dugout and a squad built on continuity.
Head coach Saheed Ramon, who previously took charge of the club in 2019–20, has kept faith with a group of players who have played together in the Calcutta Football League this season, including captain Mahitosh Roy, Fardin Ali Molla, Israfil Dewan and Hira Mondal.
Speaking ahead of the match, assistant coach Sudhir Mishra said, “Even though we haven’t had a long preparation window, the squad is focused, and we will try to play good football. Our target for tomorrow’s match is clear; we want to fight for all three points and start the campaign on a positive note.”
Roy believes that familiarity will carry the side through a short pre-season, stating, “We last played a competitive fixture on 19th September and, despite the break and the challenges in between, everyone is in good condition to play. This group has been playing together as a team for a long time, so our chemistry is strong, and we don’t have any difficulties.”
“We are motivated to show what we can do on the pitch tomorrow,” the midfielder added.
Lajong arrive in Naihati as one of the sides to watch this season. Last season, head coach Birendra Thapa guided an all-Indian squad to a historic runners-up finish on 28 points, one behind champions Diamond Harbour FC. Lajong ended the campaign in style with a 3-0 win over the champions in their final match.
The Meghalaya side have also added overseas experience to their core, including Brazilian defender Arthur Pangaro and fellow Brazilian Jota. Both featured in the Durand Cup, where Jota helped create the opening goal for Sana in a 2-0 win over Nongkseh.
Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Birendra Thapa said, “The preparation has been solid. We have been waiting for this moment since the Durand Cup. Finally, the league is starting and the boys are thoroughly prepared and ready to get going.”
Assessing the opposition, Thapa said, “Mohammedan is a quality side. Even without foreigners, their all-Indian lineup features players with serious pedigree like Lalremsanga, Samad Ali Mallick, Nikhil Deka and Mahitosh Roy. It is going to be a tough contest, but our target is unequivocal: we have travelled here to take all three points.”
Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong reflected the mood in the camp, stating, “The dressing room is happy and in high spirits. Everyone is ready, motivated and excited for our first match tomorrow.”
(Photo contributed)
