Shillong, Jul 31: Shillong Lajong FC started their Durand Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Nongkseh SSCC in the opening fixture of Group E at the JN Stadium here today.
Everbrightson Sana (70′) and Tremiki Lamurong (86′) scored the decisive goals.
This match was Nongkseh’s first in the prestigious Durand Cup and the defeat marked an amazing end to a run of more than 29 unbeaten competitive matches in Shillong since 2025. That run included four meetings against Lajong, two of which were draws and two which were wins for Nongkseh.
Those games were against SLFC’s more junior side but today saw Nongkseh up against Lajong’s first team.
For the first 45 minutes Nongkseh had their opponents’ measure, with several chances being created, though none were converted. Sheen Sohktung struck the woodwork early in the game for their best effort. The second half saw Lajong come out the stronger side and they took the game away from Nongkseh.
Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa named a strong starting XI featuring the core of the squad that finished runners-up in the 2025–26 Indian Football League season, alongside new Brazilian signings Arthur Pangaro in defence and forward Jota. Meanwhile, Nongkseh head coach Joseph Naik fielded an all-local line-up for the club’s maiden Durand Cup fixture, led by former Shillong Lajong captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri and featuring several players with experience in the Indian Super League and IFL.
The Meghalaya State League champions pressed high from the outset and dominated the early midfield exchanges. Sheen capitalised on a defensive lapse and unleashed a left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area. His effort beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the crossbar and bounced away to safety.
Lajong gradually grew into the contest and began to dictate proceedings in midfield, with Lamlallian Vaiphei and Gladdy Kharbuli orchestrating play from the centre of the park. The Reds looked dangerous on the counterattack, a hallmark of their playing style, while also threatening from set-piece situations. However, they lacked the decisive final ball allowing the Nongkseh defence to remain resolute and their goalkeeper relatively untroubled throughout the first half.
Everbrightson Mylliempdah scuffed his effort after finding space inside the box at the end of a well worked move from the midfield. New signing Jota also saw his shot go wide of the post in the final moments of the first half after being set up by Phrangki Buam as both sides went into the half tied on 0-0.
SLFC created another promising opportunity within minutes of the restart when Jota slipped Everbrightson through on goal with a well-weighted pass. The forward brought the ball under control and attempted to delicately lift it over the advancing Guidle Syiemlieh, but the Nongkseh goalkeeper stood his ground and produced an excellent save to deny the striker.
Nongkseh squandered a glorious opportunity to take the lead just after the hour mark. Aenam Jyrwa outmuscled Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong on the edge of the penalty area before drawing goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar off his line. The winger then unselfishly squared the ball across the six-yard box for Mebankhraw Wahlang, who somehow blazed his effort high over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.
Lajong made Nongkseh pay for that missed opportunity by breaking the deadlock ten minutes later. Jota clipped a lofted pass over the defence towards the opposite flank, where Phrangki capitalised after the Nongkseh backline failed to clear. The winger produced a clever touch into the path of Everbrightson, beating the advancing goalkeeper to the ball. Everbrightson kept his composure and tapped into an empty net to bag the lead.
Phrangki turned provider once again as Lajong wrapped up the contest four minutes from time. Spotting Tremiki’s well-timed run into the penalty area, Phrangki produced a clever reverse pass from the edge of the box to split the defence. Tremiki burst clear of his marker and calmly slotted a left-footed finish through the legs of the advancing goalkeeper.
Tomorrow, holders NorthEast United FC will face Bodoland FC in the Group F opener at 4:30pm in Guwahati. Shillong’s next game will feature Langsning FC against Mumbay FC on 3 August at 7pm.
