Shillong, July 28: All eyes will be on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday night as city rivals Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC lock horns in the much-anticipated Shillong Derby, part of the ongoing 134th Durand Cup.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 7 PM, promises to be a high-octane affair between two of Meghalaya’s top football clubs.
Shillong Lajong FC enter the derby in fine form, having made a statement in their tournament opener with a 6-0 demolition of Malaysian Armed Forces.
The Red Dragons looked ruthless, with Phrangki Buam and Everbrightson Sana bagging braces, while Treimiki Lamurong and Deibormamae Tongper added one goal apiece to complete the rout.The I-League outfit, who made it to the semi-finals in last year’s Durand Cup, will look to carry that momentum into Tuesday’s clash.
Notably, during last year’s campaign, Lajong secured a 2-0 victory over Rangdajied FC courtesy of goals from current captain Kenstar Kharshong and former striker Ronney Wilson, now with FC Goa.
“Every match is important and a must-win game for us,” said Shillong Lajong’s head coach Birendra Thapa ahead of the derby.
“Rangdajied is a strong side with many young and talented players, much like our own team. I believe it will be a good contest. A win will take us one step closer to the knockout stage.”
Meanwhile, Rangdajied FC will be eager to turn the tide in their favour after a below-par finish in the Shillong Premier League (SPL), where they ended third and suffered two 1-2 defeats at the hands of Lajong earlier this season.
The Blue Tigers know they will need a near-perfect performance to outplay their more experienced rivals.
“A derby match is always special, no matter where you are in the world,” remarked Rangdajied FC head coach Aibanjop Shadap.
“We will give our best on the field to make our fans proud and aim for a positive result. But we know it will be a tough game.
Lajong is a strong side with the experience of playing in the I-League and are better than us in many aspects.”
As the two local giants gear up for another chapter in their storied rivalry, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown under the Shillong skies.
As the countdown begins for one of the most electrifying fixtures in the local football calendar, the Shillong Derby promises not just action on the pitch but a celebration of the city’s deep-rooted footballing culture. For Shillong Lajong FC, it’s a chance to assert their dominance once again, build on their flying start, and inch closer to the knockout stage of the Durand Cup — a tournament where they have already made their mark in recent years. For Rangdajied FC, the derby represents more than just a shot at redemption — it’s an opportunity to prove that they belong on the same stage as their more decorated rivals, and that the gap between the two sides is narrowing with every match. Both camps are brimming with youthful energy, local pride, and the desire to leave a lasting impression. With passionate fans expected to fill the stands and voices echoing through the hills, this encounter is bound to transcend mere statistics. It will be a test of nerves, strategy, and spirit — a true derby in every sense of the word. Come Tuesday night, Shillong won’t just witness a football match; it will witness a story of rivalry, redemption, and relentless ambition.
