Shillong Lajong FC Storm Past Mumbay FC to Go Top of Group E

by Chandler D'silva August 11, 2026

Shillong Lajong FC continued their perfect start to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over Mumbay FC in a Group E encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday, August 8. Everbrightson Sana led the charge with a brace, while Abhay Gurung, Tremiki Lamurong and Figo Syndai also found the net as the hosts produced a dominant display in front of a passionate home crowd.

The Red Dragons started brightly and immediately put the Mumbay defence under pressure. Phrangki Buam and Jota constantly looked to exploit the flanks, while Lajong also threatened from set-pieces. Arthur Pangaro came close with a powerful header early on, before captain Kenstar Kharshong narrowly missed another opportunity from a similar situation.

Mumbay struggled to find any rhythm against Lajong’s aggressive pressing, with goalkeeper Yasheel Manish Shah keeping his side in the contest. He made important saves to deny Sana and Pangaro, while Lamlallian Vaiphei also tested him from distance.

However, the visitors’ resistance finally broke in the closing stages of the first half. After Mumbay captain Ahmed Faiz Khan was forced off with an ankle injury in the 45th minute, Lajong struck twice in quick succession. Joedson Dos Santos’ free-kick found Sana, whose header was saved by Yasheel, but Abhay Gurung reacted quickest to the rebound and opened the scoring.

Barely two minutes later, Tremiki Lamurong doubled the advantage. The midfielder received the ball inside the box, created space for himself and calmly slotted his finish beyond Yasheel to send Shillong into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

Lajong continued their dominance after the restart and added a third in the 52nd minute. Tremiki turned provider this time, splitting the Mumbay defence with a clever pass for Sana, who unleashed a powerful first-time finish into the top corner. The forward celebrated with his trademark Ronaldo-style celebration as the home crowd joined in with a loud “Siuuu”.

Mumbay attempted to respond, but their hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished. A heavy touch from Dhruvmil Pandya in the 64th minute presented Sana with another opportunity, and the forward made no mistake, driving into the box before finishing confidently to complete his brace and make it 4-0.

Despite the scoreline, Yasheel continued to make crucial saves to prevent the deficit from becoming even heavier. The Mumbay goalkeeper denied Kharshong and Joedson in the closing stages, keeping the visitors within touching distance of avoiding an even bigger defeat.

However, Shillong Lajong had the final say. In the 88th minute, substitute Manbhakupar Iawphniaw delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and after Mumbay failed to clear the danger, Figo Syndai rose to head home the fifth goal and complete a comprehensive victory.

The result sends Shillong Lajong FC to the top of Group E with six points from two matches, maintaining their perfect start to the competition. Langsning FC sit second with four points, while Nongkseh SS&CC have one point and Mumbay FC remain without a point from their opening two games.

For Lajong, the victory further strengthens their quarter-final ambitions. For Mumbay FC, the challenge now is to regroup quickly and find a way back into the competition after a difficult start.

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