Daijiworld Media Network - Shillong
Shillong, Nov 6: Shillong Lajong FC fought back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw against Chanmari FC in their first home fixture of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 season at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday.
Substitute Abelson Jachi scored the equaliser in the 78th minute to cancel out an own goal by Shillong defender Joedson dos Santos in the 24th minute, ensuring both teams shared the points in an entertaining Northeast derby.
Chanmari FC, making their first appearance of the campaign, began on a positive note with an organised approach, while Shillong Lajong, coming into the match after winning their season opener, looked to capitalise on home advantage.
The hosts started brightly, with Ephraim HC and Figo Syndai combining down the left flank to earn the first corner in the fourth minute. Captain Kenstar Kharshong's free-kick in the seventh minute was punched away by Chanmari goalkeeper and captain Zothanmawia.
Chanmari defender F.C. Lalhmunmawia made an important clearance in the ninth minute to stop Ephraim's attack down the left. Three minutes later, Everbrightson Sana showed good footwork to keep the ball in play, but HK Lalhruaitluanga was alert enough to clear the danger.
Zothanmawia continued to impress between the posts, punching away another threatening delivery in the 15th minute. At the other end, Chanmari midfielder Denilson Rodrigues Roldao displayed impressive footwork in the final third a minute later, but his attempted final pass was blocked by the Shillong defence. Centre-back Seila Toure also played a key role in organising the visitors' defence.
Chanmari came close to scoring in the 21st minute when forward Lalthanzuala made an excellent run down the right and unleashed a shot that struck the woodwork. The visitors, however, found the breakthrough three minutes later.
In the 24th minute, R Ramdinthara played a lofted ball from the centre towards Gabriel Ferriera Paz, who charged forward to meet it. Shillong defender Joedson dos Santos attempted to clear the delivery but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Chanmari a 1-0 lead.
Shillong responded by stepping up their attacking efforts. Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Jota combined well down the left in the 31st minute, allowing Damaitphang to get a shot away, but Zothanmawia produced an important save.
Two minutes later, Lamlallian delivered a fine ball from midfield, which Sana attempted to turn towards goal with an impressive piece of skill. However, his effort narrowly missed the target.
The contest opened up thereafter, with both teams looking for opportunities in the final third. Shillong continued to press for an equaliser, but Chanmari's defensive unit remained compact and dealt effectively with the pressure.
Jota came close to restoring parity in first-half stoppage time with an attempt from the left, but Seila Toure produced an excellent intervention, clearing the ball almost off the goal line to preserve the visitors' lead.
Chanmari went into the half-time break with a 1-0 advantage.
Shillong returned for the second half with greater urgency, as Sana and Jota attempted to break through the visitors' defensive line. However, Chanmari continued to maintain its defensive organisation, with Toure leading the backline.
The opening exchanges of the second half remained cagey, with neither side creating clear-cut opportunities. Shillong substitute Abelson Jachi added more attacking impetus down the right, looking to stretch the opposition defence and create openings.
Chanmari attempted to extend its lead in the 63rd minute through substitutes Aron Vanlalrinchhana and Guite Vanlalpeka, who combined effectively before the latter sent a shot wide of the target.
Shillong responded two minutes later when Jachi delivered a dangerous lofted ball into the penalty area. Sana rose to meet it with a header, but his effort also went wide.
The hosts continued to push forward and came agonisingly close to equalising in the 72nd minute. After Jachi slipped during an attacking move, Joedson dos Santos made a forward run and unleashed a shot that struck the near post.
Shillong's sustained pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute. Kharshong delivered a cross from the left, which Toure attempted to clear. However, the ball fell into the path of Jachi inside the penalty area. The substitute showed composure, took time to set himself and calmly placed the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
With the scores level, both teams pushed forward in search of a winner, making for an open and competitive finish. However, neither side managed to find the decisive goal despite their attacking efforts.
The match eventually ended 1-1, with Jachi's late strike ensuring Shillong Lajong avoided defeat in their first home fixture of the season, while Chanmari FC opened their IFL 2026–27 campaign with a valuable point.