Shillong Lajong FC and Rajasthan United FC began their Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 campaigns with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Sunday.
In a contest shaped by a first-half penalty rebound and a scrappy equaliser after the break, both sides showed moments of promise but ultimately settled for a point each.
Everbrightson Sana gave the home side an early advantage in the 15th minute, reacting quickest after seeing his penalty saved. Rajasthan United responded in the second half through Abhishek Ambekar, whose composed finish in the 53rd minute ensured parity.
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Backed by vocal home support, Shillong Lajong began with greater composure and purpose. Their passing rhythm was sharper in the opening exchanges, and they looked intent on pressing Rajasthan United high up the pitch. The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute after Sana was brought down inside the area by Rajasthan defender Shafeel PP. The referee had little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Sana took responsibility for the penalty he had earned, but goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri guessed correctly, diving low to his left to parry the effort.
However, the rebound fell straight back into Sana’s path. The striker reacted instinctively, driving the loose ball into the net to hand Shillong Lajong a 1-0 lead.
The goal energised the hosts, who continued to circulate possession confidently while Rajasthan United sought to regain their footing.
Midway through the first half, Rajasthan United carved out a significant chance to level the score. Pedro Astray López initiated the move, exchanging a neat one-two with Pragyan Gogoi before sliding a precise through ball into the box. Gogoi found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his left-footed attempt drifted wide of the far post.
It was a missed opportunity that reflected Rajasthan’s struggles in the first period. While they competed well in midfield, clear chances were limited, and their final ball often lacked precision. The remainder of the half unfolded as a physical midfield contest. Both teams battled for control but struggled to create sustained pressure in the attacking third. Shillong Lajong entered the break holding a narrow advantage, though the margin felt fragile.
Rajasthan Respond After the Interval
The visitors emerged for the second half with renewed intent. Their tempo increased immediately, and they began to test the Shillong backline more frequently. Jordan Lamela forced an early save from Siwel Rymbai with a left-footed strike from distance. The goalkeeper reacted quickly again moments later, denying Amadou Soukouna from close range after a rebound fell kindly inside the area.
At the other end, Shillong nearly doubled their lead when Phrangki Buam found space inside the box. However, he failed to keep his effort down, sending the ball over the crossbar. The game’s equaliser came in the 53rd minute following a long ball into the penalty area. Soukouna controlled the delivery amid heavy pressure from defenders and the advancing goalkeeper. In the ensuing scramble, the loose ball fell invitingly for Abhishek Ambekar, who maintained composure to slot into the empty net and bring Rajasthan United level at 1-1.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in Rajasthan’s favour.
With the scores level, both coaches turned to their benches in search of fresh impetus. Substitutions were introduced to add energy in midfield and creativity in attack. Despite increased urgency, neither side managed to produce a decisive breakthrough. Rajasthan looked compact defensively, while Shillong pushed forward with greater frequency in the closing stages.
Shillong Lajong appeared the more likely to find a late winner, especially in the final ten minutes. However, their attacking play lacked the clinical edge required to convert half-chances into goals. Thakuri remained assured in goal for Rajasthan United, dealing confidently with crosses and maintaining organisation at the back.
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When the final whistle sounded, the 1-1 scoreline felt a fair reflection of a competitive encounter. Shillong Lajong showed early sharpness and capitalised on a moment of pressure, while Rajasthan United demonstrated resilience to fight back and secure a result away from home.
Both sides leave the SSA Stadium with a point to start their respective campaigns a platform to build upon as the season gathers pace.
