Shillong Lajong FC Held to Draw by Dempo SC in Indian Football League Clash

Match Overview

In a tightly contested match at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Sunday, Shillong Lajong FC faced off against Dempo SC, resulting in a goalless draw during the Indian Football League 2025-26 Championship Phase.

Current Standings

This outcome leaves Shillong in second place on the leaderboard with 18 points, trailing behind Diamond Harbour FC by seven points, while Dempo remains in sixth position with 10 points.

Team Line-ups

Shillong maintained the same starting lineup as their previous match, whereas Dempo made two adjustments, bringing in Sebastian Gutierrez Atehortua and Vieri Colaco to replace Ariston Costa and Richmond Kwasi Owusu.

First Half Highlights

From the outset, Shillong exerted pressure on Dempo, creating an early chance within the first minute when Phrangki Buam attempted to connect with a long ball into the box, but the defense managed to clear it.

Shillong's aggressive start unsettled Dempo's defense, although the visitors eventually slowed the game down to establish their rhythm. Both teams focused on utilizing the flanks, with Buam and Ephraim Lalremtluanga pushing forward for Shillong, while Saiesh Bagkar and Kapil Hoble aimed to support Gutierrez and Marcus Leric Jr Joseph.

In the eighth minute, Lamlallian found an opening in the final third and took a shot, but it was blocked by Aubin Kouakou.

Dempo struggled to build from the back due to Shillong's high pressing, leading to several turnovers. Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah tested Ashish Sibi with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved.

Shillong effectively neutralized Nestor Dias in midfield, limiting his influence on the game. Despite Hoble's attempts to connect with Joseph through early passes, Shillong's solid defensive structure thwarted these efforts.

The best chance of the first half came in the 34th minute when Kouakou lost possession, allowing Sana to break through, but Jose Luis Moreno Pena executed a timely sliding tackle to avert the danger.

As the first half progressed, Shillong continued to threaten, with Damaitphang Lyngdoh delivering a low cross that went unconverted in the 38th minute. The closest opportunity came just before halftime when Buam's shot was parried by Sibi, and Lyngdoh's follow-up hit the woodwork.

Second Half Developments

After the break, Shillong resumed their attacking efforts, with Lyngdoh attempting a long-range shot in the 47th minute that went wide.

Dempo showcased a moment of brilliance in the 58th minute when Gutierrez struck a first-time volley from a tight angle, forcing a sharp save from Ranit Sarkar.

Despite limited offensive opportunities, Dempo's central defense, led by Kouakou and Moreno, remained solid, with Moreno delivering another strong performance.

In the 67th minute, Dempo nearly capitalized on a set-piece when Moreno cushioned a delivery into Kouakou's path, but his close-range volley was saved by Sarkar, and Joseph's follow-up went over the bar.

Shillong kept pushing for a goal, and in the 81st minute, Buam sent a precise low ball into the box, but Kouakou intervened just in time to clear the threat.

In a dramatic finish, Shillong came agonizingly close to scoring in stoppage time. In the second minute of added time, substitute Abelson Jachi forced a spill from Sibi, and Kenstar Kharshong's follow-up hit the crossbar.

Conclusion

Despite dominating possession and registering 20 shots, including five on target, Shillong's inability to convert their chances into goals proved crucial, as they were unable to penetrate a disciplined Dempo defense.