Shillong, Aug 13: Shillong Lajong FC are set to face Langsning FC in the last Group E match of the Durand Cup 2026 and by the end one of the two, or even both, will have qualified for the quarterfinals. Kick-off at the JN Stadium here will be at 7PM.
All six group winners plus the two best second-placed teams will qualify for the next round. Simply put, a win for Lajong or a draw would be enough for Lajong and would knock Langsning out. A win for Langsning would take them to the QFs but may or may not be curtains for Lajong. Let’s examine the possible scenarios.
Lajong currently lead Group E with 6 points from two wins against Nongkseh SSCC and Mumbay FC. A point today would be enough for the twice semifinalists to qualify for the next round.
A draw would give Langsning 5 points and second place in the group but it wouldn’t be enough to qualify for the QFs. This is because both East Bengal and Samaleswari from Groups A and B respectively already have 6 points each. So, the only option for the debutants Langsning would be to beat Lajong. This would give them 7 points and top spot in Group E.
Losing to Langsning would not be the end of the road for SLFC if certain conditions are met. East Bengal currently have a goal difference of +12 and Samaleswari +3. A narrow loss to Langsning would still allowed Lajong (currently with a GD of +7) to overtake Samaleswari.
But, also still in the running are two teams from Group C – currently second-placed holders Jamshedpur FC and third-placed Indian Air Force, who both have 3 points each and will face each other today as well. Both teams need to win in order to progress. Jamshedpur (GD of +4) are in a better position in terms of goal difference than the IAF (-5). Also capable of reaching the quarters are Bodoland FC (also on 3 points) in Group F. They have a goal difference of -3 but will play bottom side Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC today and a big win could bring them into contention.
An advantage for Lajong is that these other two fixtures will both begin at 4PM. So, by the time the two Shillong-based teams take to the field they’ll know exactly what needs to be done.
Today’s matches:
Group C – Jamshedpur FC vs Indian Air Force, 4PM, Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi
Group F – Bodoland FC vs Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, 4PM, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
Group E – Shillong Lajong FC vs Langsning FC, 7PM, JN Stadium, Shillong
(File photos)
