Shillong, August 8: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Polo Ground, Shillong, once again
surged with thrilling football energy as Shillong Lajong FC faced tournament debutants Mumbay FC in the Group E fixture of the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup 2026.
The match kicked off at 4:00 PM in
Shillong, putting the established local club against the visiting team from Maharashtra.
Dignitaries gracing the evening were, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Honble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya; Brigadier Kanwar Jitendra Singh, Sena Medal, 101 Area; Colonel R. Srikant Bhargava, 101 Area and Shri P.B. War Nongbri, In-charge Director, Directorate of Sports and
Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.
Shillong Lajong FC approached today’s fixture seeking to extend their winning momentum, having commenced their Group E campaign on July 31 with a 2-0 victory over Nongkseh SS&CC.
Conversely, Mumbay FC looked to recover from a challenging start to their inaugural Durand Cup campaign, having sustained a 50 defeat against Langsning FC in their opening match of the toumament.
The thrilling contest drew an energetic crowd of more than 7,800 ernthusiastic spectators to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, underlining Shillong’s deep-rooted passion for football and the unwavering support for the local teams as the Durand Cup continues to captivate the region.
Shillong Lajong started the match with high-pressing attacking football. The team controlled the game, maintaining 76% possession and recording 12 shots during the first half. Mumbay FC created a notable chance in the 45′ minute when Mohammed Kaif Khan nearly scored from a set-piece, but
his resulting attempt went off target.
In the final moments of stoppage time, Abhay Gurung scored to break the deadlock for Shillong Lajong at 45+1. Treimiki Lamurong quickly added a second goal at 45+3. The first half concluded with Shillong Lajong leading 2-0. Carrying their momentum into the second half, jersey no. 12 Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah scored the third goal for Lajong in the 52’minute through individual brilliance, using an out-foot pass to scoop the ball into the far corner.
Mumbay sought to respond when Azfar Noorani forced an excellent save with an on target shot in the 56 minute. Sana then doubled his brilliance with his second goal and Lajong’s fourth in the 64 minute, leaving the Mumbay goalkeeper with no chance.
Throughout the half, Lajong’s Brazilian striker João Vitor de Paula Morais remained the centre of attraction, and creating key setpieces. Lajong further solidified their dominance with a fifth goal in
the 88 minute courtesy of a wonderful header by Figo Syndai.
The comprehen sive victory takes Shillong Lajong to first place in Group E with six points, moving above current table leaders Langsning.
