Shillong, Mar 26: Shillong Lajong FC pulled off a brilliant 2-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC in Manjeri, Kerala, today in Round 5 of the Indian Football League 2025-26.
Everbrightson Mylliempdah (36′) and Tremiki Lamurong (65′) scored for the visitors on either side of half time.
Lajong now have 10 points, tied with both Diamond Harbour FC and Sreenidi Deccan. Head-to-head cannot separate them just yet as Lajong have yet to meet Sreenidi. However, SLFC have lost to Diamond Harbour, who in turn lost to Sreenidi.
All three have the same goal difference (+3) but Lajong have scored 8 goals to the 7 of the other two. This should put the Shillong team at the top of the standings, though the All India Football Federation website has them in third place.
Coach Birendra Thapa made just one change to the starting lineup from the game where the Reds beat Chanmari FC a few days ago, bringing in Tremiki for Abhay Gurung. The hosts, meanwhile, didn’t change their starting lineup from the 2-0 win over Dempo last Friday. Former Lajong player Samuel L Kynshi started on the bench but was brought on as a 66th minute substitute.
The match began at a brisk pace, with both teams looking to attack but struggling to find the final pass in the opening exchanges. Gokulam was forced into an early substitution in the 15th minute as Kingslee Fernandes was replaced by Ashis Pradhan due to injury.
SLFC came close soon after when Phrangki Buam played a through ball to Everbrightson, but the forward failed to hit the target and shot it wide. The visitors continued to push forward, with Phrangki testing goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil from distance.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute following a well-worked move down the right flank. After a sequence involving Samuel Muansang, Phrangki and Tremiki, the ball deflected inside the box and Everbrightson reacted quickest to slot it into the goal with his right foot and give Shillong Lajong a 1-0 lead.
Gokulam attempted to respond before the break, with captain Mirjalol Kasimov coming closest, but his header was comfortably saved by Siwel Rymbai as Shillong went into half time with the advantage.
The hosts dominated possession after the restart in search of an equaliser but struggled to break down a disciplined Lajong defence. The visitors, meanwhile, remained dangerous, as Tremiki made a wonderful run from the right wing but hit it on the side net at the hour mark.
Shillong finally doubled their lead in the 65th minute. A well-coordinated move on the right involving Lamlallian and Damaitphang Lyngdoh set up Tremiki, who made a strong run into the box and finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Despite enjoying more of the ball, Gokulam were unable to find a way past Shillong’s organised backline in the closing stages.
SLFC will next travel to Sreenidi Deccan for their next match on 1st April.
Shillong Lajong squad today:
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Rudra Ved, Saveme Tariang, Kenstar Kharshong, Samuel Muansang, Tremiki Lamurong (sub Abelson Jachi 73′), Damaitphang Lyngdoh (sub Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem 73′), Gladdy Kharbuli (sub Maxderidoff Wahlang 56′), Lamlallian, Everbrightson Mylliempdah (sub Jakob Vanlalhimpuia 73′), Phrangki Buam (sub Ephraim Lalremtluanga 84′)
