Shillong, Sep 2: Shillong Lajong moved up to second place in the Shillong Premier League 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Laitkor at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Tuesday.
Deibormame Tongper (27’) and Emanbha Marbaniang (74’) scored for Lajong against Laitkor, who had a man sent off in the middle of the second half.
Playing in his first match of the season, Deibormame got his head to a free-kick to score before the half hour mark. Laitkor started with a double chance for Freelyson Tariang in the second minute but his header struck the crossbar and his second attempt from close range somehow missed the mark entirely. Lajong had not conceded in their first two matches but that run was in danger of ending today as Lakpa Lepcha (playing his first game) looked a little unsure of himself. He made a hash of punching the ball away in the ninth minute but managed to get away with his error. Ten minutes later, at the other end of the pitch, Iohbor L Lyngkhoi cannoned a long-range shot into the upright for Lajong.
In the second half, Richarles Rani was sent off around the 66th minute with a direct red card by referee Jeffrey June Shabong. Richarles had fouled a Lajong player in the box but his sharp reaction to the referee may have only made things worse and Laitkor had to play the rest of the match with 10 men. The resulting penalty was saved by Laitkor goalkeeper Deranius Wahlang, who correctly dived low to his left to block Iohborlang’s spot kick and then had the quick wits to gather up the rebound.
That lifted the spirits of the Laitkor fans, who thronged the ground in great numbers, but their joy was short-lived as a few minutes later Lajong scored again. A mistake at the back handed Deibormame the ball and he set up Emanbha for an easy goal to double SLFC’s lead.
Lajong now have 7 points and are in second place behind Nangkiew Irat, who have 9. Laitkor are one of three clubs on 3 points and currently occupy sixth position based on goal difference. On Wednesday, in the last match of Round 3, the two sides promoted from last year’s First Division – Mylliem and Malki – will face off at 4:30pm.
With this victory, Shillong Lajong have not only underlined their intent in this year’s Shillong Premier League but also sent out a strong reminder of the depth and quality within their squad.
The return of Deibormame Tongper with a goal and an assist added fresh energy to the side, while Emanbha’s clinical finish showed the team’s ability to capitalise on defensive lapses. Although the missed penalty and occasional nervy moments at the back suggest that there are still areas to tighten, Lajong’s unbeaten run after three games puts them in a commanding position to challenge leaders Nangkiew Irat as the league gathers momentum.
