Shillong, Mar 8: Shillong Lajong demonstrated some of that fighting spirit that they will need for the season ahead as they came from a goal down to beat Real Kashmir 2-1Â in Round 2 of the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
Seijoseph Haokip tapped in Shedrack Charles’ cut-back in the 20th minute but Phrangki Buam (40′) levelled before half time. Kenstar Kharshong (pictured) then pushed the home side into the lead in the 57th minute and they held on to the advantage to the final whistle despite all that the visitors threw at them.
Lajong coach Birendra Thapa made just one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Abhay Gurung in place of Figo Syndai.
Both sides were evenly matched in the opening 20 minutes, cancelling each other out in midfield. The home side stuck to their trademark short-passing style and occasionally managed to find Everbrightson Mylliempdah in good pockets of space through longer passes.
At the other end, Real Kashmir made good use of their physical presence, looking to win second balls from long passes played forward from defence, a tactic that soon paid off. Shedrack held off the defender before sending a low ball across the six-yard box, which was comfortably finished by Seijoseph to give his side the lead.
The Reds responded well to going behind, drawing level six minutes before the break. Phrangki surged forward down the right and, from the edge of the box, unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike that flew into the net before goalkeeper Syed Bin Abdul Kadir could react with his outstretched hand.
Real Kashmir began the second half on the front foot, creating two excellent chances, both of which were squandered by captain Mohammad Inam. The first opportunity came from Shedrack, who laid the ball on a plate for Inam, but the midfielder glanced his header wide of the post. Moments later, Inam once again failed to apply the right finish from a very promising position, leaving the Snow Leopards to rue their missed chances.
The home side punished Real Kashmir for their missed chances by taking the lead in the 57th minute. After enjoying a sustained spell of possession, Abhay slipped a pass into the path of centre-back Kenstar, who made a late run into the box. The defender and captain kept his composure and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
Real Kashmir began to press higher up the pitch in response to falling behind and, with Ishfaq Ahmed introducing fresh legs, they started to see more of the ball. However, they were unable to create any chances that seriously troubled the defence or Siwel Rymbai in goal.
At the other end, Shillong Lajong made good use of the spaces left behind and looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Phrangki tested the goalkeeper, but Syed Kadir was alert and produced a fine save to keep the scoreline intact. Real Kashmir responded by piling on the pressure with a series of long balls into the box, but the defence remained composed and dealt with the danger effectively.
Lajong’s third home game in a row will be against Diamond Harbour on 14th March at 6:30PM. Diamond Harbour won today against Dempo SC 2-1.
Shillong Lajong squad today:
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Kitboklang Khyriem, Rudra Ved, Saveme Tariang, Kenstar Kharshong, Damaitphang Lyngdoh (sub Maxderidoff Wahlang 90′), Gladdy Kharbuli (sub Manbhakupar Iawphniaw 78′), Lamlallian, Abhay Gurung (sub Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem 78′), Everbrightson Mylliempdah(sub Jakob Vanlalhimpuia 90′), Phrangki Buam (sub Tremiki Lamurong 90′)
(Indian Football League photo)
