Shillong Lajong Dominates Aizawl FC with a 6-1 Victory in Indian Football League
Shillong Lajong's Impressive Win
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], April 18: In a stunning display, Shillong Lajong triumphed over Aizawl FC with a resounding 6-1 victory during Match 42 of the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday.
Tremiki Lamurong was a standout performer, netting two goals for the home team. Other contributors included Phrangki Buam, Everbrightson Sana, Gladdy Kharbuli, and Lamlallian Vaiphei, while Lalhriatpuia managed to score a consolation goal for Aizawl.
This victory propelled Shillong Lajong to second place in the league standings, accumulating 17 points from nine matches. Conversely, Aizawl's defeat dropped them to seventh place, confirming their position in the relegation zone.
Head coach Birendra Thapa of Shillong Lajong made a single adjustment to his starting lineup, introducing Gladdy Kharbuli in midfield in place of Abelson Jachi. Aizawl's coach, R. Lalruatfela, opted for three changes, bringing in Lalawmpuia Sailo, Malsawmzuala Tlangte, and Lalhriatpuia, replacing Zomuansanga, Vanlalawmpuia, and Vincent Lalduhawmna.
Aizawl started strong, dominating the first 15 minutes with quick passes that kept Lajong's defense under pressure. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, they struggled to convert, with goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar making crucial saves and defenders blocking shots.
As the match progressed, Shillong Lajong found their rhythm and took the lead in the 26th minute. Left-back Saveme Tariang delivered a curling cross that Aizawl's goalkeeper, Lalhruaitluanga, hesitated to claim. Phrangki Buam capitalized on this, scoring beneath the goalkeeper's hands.
Following the goal, Aizawl responded by applying pressure and earning multiple corner kicks. Luis Rodriguez had a chance to equalize but missed the target with a header from close range.
Just before halftime, Shillong Lajong doubled their lead due to another mistake from Aizawl's goalkeeper. Lalhruaitluanga misjudged a long ball, allowing Everbrightson Sana to score easily into an empty net, making it 2-0.
In the second half, Lajong started strong with four consecutive corners but failed to score. However, Aizawl managed to pull one back shortly after the restart. Gladdy Kharbuli's failure to clear the ball allowed Aizawl's Vanlalhriatzuala to cross it into the box, where Lalhriatpuia scored with a well-placed header.
A penalty was awarded to Shillong Lajong shortly after the hour mark when Laldanmawia fouled Phrangki Buam. Lamlallian converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for Lajong's third goal.
Just minutes later, Lajong scored again, taking advantage of another defensive error from Aizawl. Luis Rodriguez's failure to clear allowed Saveme Tariang to intercept and set up Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who scored with a powerful shot, with Gladdy Kharbuli providing a clever touch.
With three minutes remaining, Lajong capitalized on yet another mistake from the Aizawl goalkeeper. Lalhruaitluanga ventured too far out of his area, allowing substitute Jakob Vanlalhimpuia to win the ball. Tremiki Lamurong finished into an empty net, marking his second goal of the match.
In stoppage time, the home side added one more goal. Jakob Vanlalhimpuia and Tremiki Lamurong combined effectively, with Jakob assisting Tremiki, who struck powerfully past the helpless goalkeeper to complete his brace.