Shillong Lajong FC Triumphs Over Gokulam Kerala FC in IFL Match
Match Overview
In a decisive encounter at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri on Thursday, Shillong Lajong FC secured a 2-0 victory against Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26. Goals from Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah and Tremiki Lamurong in each half propelled Shillong Lajong into the top three of the league standings with 10 points, sharing the same points and goal difference with Sreenidi Deccan FC and Diamond Harbour FC. Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala slipped to eighth place, accumulating five points from five matches.
First Half Highlights
Tremiki Lamurong was awarded the Player of the Match. Gokulam Kerala's head coach Dimitris Dimitriou opted for an unchanged starting lineup, while Shillong Lajong's coach Bineria Thapa made a single change, introducing Tremiki Lamurong in place of Abhay Gurung, maintaining an all-Indian squad.
The match commenced energetically, with both teams eager to attack but struggling to finalize their plays early on. Gokulam was compelled to make an early substitution in the 15th minute when Kingslee Fernandes was replaced by Ashis Pradhan due to an injury.
Shillong came close to scoring shortly after when Phrangki Buam delivered a through ball to Everbrightson Sana, who unfortunately missed the target. The visitors continued to press, with Buam testing Gokulam's goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil from a distance.
Sana Breaks the Deadlock
The first goal came in the 36th minute after a well-executed play down the right side. Following a sequence involving Samuel Muansang, Phrangki Buam, and Tremiki Lamurong, the ball deflected in the box, allowing Everbrightson to react swiftly and score with his right foot, giving Shillong Lajong a 1-0 lead.
Gokulam attempted to equalize before halftime, with captain Mirjalol Kasimov coming close, but his header was easily saved by Siwel Rymbai, leaving Shillong ahead at the break.
Second Half Developments
After the break, Gokulam dominated possession in search of an equalizer but struggled against a resolute Shillong defense. The visitors remained a threat, with Tremiki making a notable run from the right wing, though he hit the side netting at the hour mark.
Lamurong Secures the Win
Shillong doubled their advantage in the 65th minute through Tremiki. A coordinated effort on the right involving Lamlallian and Damaitphang Lyngdoh set up Lamurong, who made a powerful run into the box and finished expertly to make it 2-0.
Despite having more possession, Gokulam could not penetrate Shillong's well-organized defense in the final moments. Shillong Lajong maintained their composure to secure a 2-0 victory, marking a solid away performance.