Shillong, Mar 1: Shillong Lajong played out a 1-1 draw against Rajasthan United in their first match of the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
Everbrightson Mylliempdah (15′) scored first for the hosts before Abhishek Ambekar (53′) pulled Rajasthan level in the second half.
It was an impressive first outing for Birendra Thapa’s young guns, with the all-domestic Lajong holding their own against an RUFC that was bristling with foreign and Indian talent, including a former SLFC player, the right-back Kynsailang Khongsit.
There was a nervy early moment for Lajong as Rajasthan pressed early through Pangambam Naoba Meitei but a defender managed to put the ball out for a corner.
The goal came about through the concession of a penalty in the 12th minute involving the two Number 12s – Shafeel P of Rajasthan fouled Everbrightson just inside the box. Everbright took the spot kick but Bhabindra Malla Thakuri guessed correctly. However, the goalkeeper failed to deal with the ball effectively, merely pushing it back into the Lajong forward’s path and he was able to score at the second time of asking.
Around 10 minutes later Pragyan Sundar Gogoi had an opportunity to level the scores but dragged a left-footer wide while unmarked inside the SLFC box.
Lajong held their narrow lead until the break and Phrangki Buam had a go to double the advantage early in the second half but his shot went straight to Bhabindra, who was kept busy throughout the second 45 minutes.
At the other end, three minutes later, Amadou Soukouna ran with the ball into the box and toppled over. He was looking for a penalty but he needn’t have bothered as the ball was still live and that allowed the veteran Abhishek to score.
Phrangki was back in action two minutes later but this time his shot on the run was too high. Bhabindra continued to be tested but he was on top of his game enough to grab any and all crosses and blocked a low shot from Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem late in the day as well.
Lajong’s next match will be against Real Kashmir at home on March 8. Real Kashmir drew 2-2 at Dempo earlier today.
