Shillong Lajong FC staged an impressive comeback to defeat Real Kashmir FC 2–1 and register their first victory of the Indian Football League, IFL 2025-26 season at the SSA Stadium on Sunday.
After falling behind early in the match, goals from Phrangki Buam and captain Kenstar Kharshong ensured that the hosts turned the contest around to claim all three points in front of their home supporters. The victory marked a crucial breakthrough for Shillong Lajong, who had been searching for their first win of the campaign.
Real Kashmir, known as the Snow Leopards, had taken the lead through Seijoseph Haokip, but they were ultimately made to pay for missed opportunities in the second half.
Tactical adjustments from both sides
Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa made one change to his starting line-up, bringing in Abhay Gurung in place of Figo Syndai. On the other side, Real Kashmir manager Ishfaq Ahmed also opted for a single alteration, with defender Basid Ahmed Bhat replacing Hyder Yousuf.
The opening stages of the match were evenly contested. Both teams battled for control in midfield, with Shillong Lajong attempting to impose their trademark short-passing style while Real Kashmir relied on physical duels and direct balls forward.
Shillong occasionally looked dangerous through longer passes aimed at Everbrightson Sana, but Real Kashmir’s organised defence ensured the early exchanges remained balanced.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute, and it arrived through Real Kashmir’s direct attacking approach.
Forward Shedrack Charles did well to shield the ball from his marker before driving a low cross across the six-yard box. Seijoseph Haokip arrived perfectly to meet the delivery, calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
The goal lifted the confidence of the Snow Leopards, who continued to challenge the hosts with their physical presence and aerial strength.
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Shillong Lajong responded positively to going behind and gradually began to regain control of possession. Their equaliser arrived in the 39th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Phrangki Buam.
The winger surged forward down the right flank and, after cutting inside near the edge of the penalty area, unleashed a powerful right-footed strike. The shot flew past Real Kashmir goalkeeper Syed Bin Abdul Kadir before he could react, bringing the hosts level at 1–1. The goal energised the home side and ensured the match remained finely poised heading into half-time.
Real Kashmir began the second half with renewed attacking intent and soon created two excellent opportunities to restore their lead. Both chances fell to captain Mohammad Inam, but the midfielder was unable to convert either opportunity.
The first came when Shedrack Charles delivered a precise pass into the box, leaving Inam with a clear header at goal. However, he directed the attempt wide of the post. Moments later, Inam found himself in another promising position but again failed to apply the finishing touch. The missed chances proved costly for the visitors.
Kharshong delivers the winner
Shillong Lajong capitalised on Real Kashmir’s missed opportunities in the 57th minute. After enjoying a sustained spell of possession, Abhay Gurung threaded a clever pass into the path of Kenstar Kharshong, who had made a late run into the penalty area from defence.
The centre-back and team captain kept his composure under pressure and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, giving Shillong Lajong a 2–1 lead. The goal completed the turnaround and shifted momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.
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Real Kashmir attempted to mount a comeback in the final stages of the match. Coach Ishfaq Ahmed introduced fresh legs in attack, and the visitors began pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser. Despite their increased possession, however, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Shillong defence.
Goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai and his backline remained composed under pressure, dealing effectively with crosses and long balls delivered into the penalty area. Meanwhile, Shillong Lajong looked threatening on the counter-attack, exploiting the spaces left behind by Real Kashmir’s attacking push. Buam nearly added a third goal, but goalkeeper Syed Kadir produced a fine save to keep the deficit at one.
As the final whistle sounded, Shillong Lajong celebrated a hard-fought victory that finally delivered their first three points of the season. The comeback win highlighted the team’s resilience and attacking intent, particularly through the performances of Buam and Kharshong.
For Real Kashmir, the defeat will be frustrating, especially after taking an early lead and creating several promising chances in the second half. For Shillong Lajong, however, the victory represents an important moment in their campaign. With their first win now secured, the Reds will hope to build momentum and climb the table in the coming rounds of the Indian Football League.
