Shillong Lajong FC Secures 2-0 Victory Over Gokulam Kerala FC in IFL

Shillong Lajong Triumphs in Indian Football League Match

Manjeri (Kerala) [India], March 26: In a thrilling encounter at the Payyanad Stadium, Shillong Lajong FC emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 on Thursday.

This win propelled Shillong Lajong into the top three of the standings, accumulating 10 points, which puts them level on points and goal difference with both Sreenidi Deccan FC and Diamond Harbour FC. Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala slipped to eighth place, having secured only five points from their last five matches.

Tremiki Lamurong was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Gokulam's head coach, Dimitris Dimitriou, opted for an unchanged starting lineup, while Shillong's coach, Bineria Thapa, made a single change, introducing Tremiki Lamurong in place of Abhay Gurung, fielding an all-Indian squad.

The match kicked off with both teams eager to attack, yet they struggled to find the decisive pass early on. Gokulam was forced 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, but the forward missed the target with his shot.

Continuing their offensive, Buam tested Gokulam's goalkeeper, Shibinraj Kunniyil, with a long-range effort.

The first goal came in the 36th minute after a well-executed play down the right side. Following a series of passes involving Samuel Muansang, Phrangki Buam, and Tremiki Lamurong, the ball deflected in the box, allowing Everbrightson to react quickly and score with his right foot, giving Shillong a 1-0 lead.

Gokulam sought 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.

After the interval, Gokulam dominated possession in search of an equalizer but found it difficult to penetrate Shillong's solid defense.

Shillong remained a threat, with Tremiki making a brilliant run down the right wing, though his shot hit the side netting.

In the 65th minute, Shillong doubled their lead 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 breach Shillong's well-organized defense in the final moments of the match.

Shillong Lajong maintained their composure to secure a 2-0 victory, marking a solid away performance.