Fresh off an impressive runners-up finish in the 2025-26 Indian Football League, Shillong Lajong fielded a strong side featuring new Brazilian recruits Arthur Pangaro and Jota. Their opponents, making their maiden appearance in the Durand Cup, arrived full of confidence after winning the Meghalaya State League and showed from the outset that they were ready to challenge one of the region’s biggest clubs.

Nongkseh made an energetic start and nearly stunned the favourites inside the opening minutes. Sheen Stevenson Sohktung capitalised on a defensive error before unleashing a powerful left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area. With the goalkeeper beaten, the strike crashed against the crossbar, allowing Shillong Lajong a huge escape.

The Red Dragons gradually found their rhythm as Lamlallian Vaiphei and Gladdy Kharbuli began controlling possession in midfield. Shillong Lajong looked dangerous on the counter and from set-pieces, but the final ball was often missing. Everbrightson Sana failed to make the most of a promising opening inside the penalty area, while new signing Jota saw his effort drift wide as the first half ended with neither side able to break the deadlock.

Shillong Lajong returned after the break with greater attacking intent and came close to taking the lead early in the second half. Jota produced a perfectly weighted through ball for Everbrightson Sana, who attempted to lift his finish over the advancing Guidle Syiemlieh. However, the Nongkseh goalkeeper stood tall and made an excellent save to keep the scores level.

The derby could have swung in Nongkseh’s favour just after the hour mark. Aenam Graffenberg Jurwa showed great strength to break free before squaring the ball across goal to Khyriem Wahlang, who somehow fired over the crossbar with the goal wide open, leaving the visitors to rue a golden opportunity.

Shillong Lajong made that miss count in the 72nd minute. Jota’s clever lofted pass found Phrangki Buam, whose quick touch split the Nongkseh defence and released Everbrightson Sana. The forward kept his composure, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly tapped into an empty net to give the Red Dragons a deserved breakthrough.

With Nongkseh pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Shillong Lajong found the decisive second goal four minutes from full-time. Phrangki Buam was once again the architect, producing a perfectly weighted reverse pass into the path of Tremiki Lamurong. The substitute timed his run to perfection before calmly slotting his left-footed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs to seal the victory.

Shillong Lajong comfortably managed the closing stages and saw out the remainder of the contest to begin their Durand Cup journey on a winning note. The victory not only secured an important three points but also reaffirmed the Red Dragons’ ambitions of making a deep run in this year’s competition, while Nongkseh will take plenty of positives from a spirited debut despite falling short in the end.

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