By Our Reporter
Shillong, April 18: There are victories, and then there are statements. On a crisp evening at the SSA Stadium, Shillong Lajong FC produced the latter, dismantling Aizawl FC 6-1 in Round 9 of the Indian Football League 2025-26.
It was their final outing of Stage 1. And perhaps fittingly, their finest.
From the first whistle, Lajong looked assured, composed, and hungry. Phrangki Buam set the tone in the 26th minute, before Everbrightson Mylliempdah doubled the advantage just before the break. The rhythm was theirs. The intent, unmistakable.
Aizawl attempted a response after the restart through Lalhriatpuia Lalrinfela in the 50th minute, briefly hinting at a contest. But it proved to be a fleeting moment.
Lajong, unfazed, shifted gears. Lamlallian converted from the spot in the 67th minute, and within minutes, Gladdy Kharbuli added another to put the game well beyond reach. Then came the final flourish. Introduced late in the 78th minute, Tremiki Lamurong struck twice in quick succession, in the 87th minute and deep into stoppage time, to cap off a ruthless display.
For Buam and Mylliempdah, the goals carried added significance. Both now sit on four for the season, placing them among the highest-scoring Indian players in the competition.
Head coach Birendra Thapa made just one change to the side that defeated Namdhari earlier this month, with Kharbuli coming into midfield. The decision paid off, as Lajong controlled proceedings with authority and purpose.
The result not only marked their biggest win of the campaign but also propelled them to second place in the standings. Having already secured qualification for the Championship Round, this victory ensures they carry forward valuable points into Stage 2 — a detail that could prove decisive in the long run.
For Aizawl, however, the road ahead looks far more uncertain. Set to feature in the Relegation Round, they will need to regroup quickly and rediscover form to avoid the drop.As for Lajong, they walk into the next phase with momentum, confidence, and a performance that will linger — not just for the scoreline, but for the statement it made.
