In a dramatic contest defined by fine margins and late twists, Shillong Lajong FC rode on a brace from Phrangki Buam to secure a 2-1 victory over Chanmari FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.
The win propelled Lajong to the top of the Indian Football League 2025-26 standings, level on points with Rajasthan United but ahead on goal difference.
For Chanmari FC, it was a night of missed opportunities and late heartbreak. Despite taking an early lead and controlling large phases of the game, they were undone by decisive moments in stoppage time at the end of both halves.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both sides looking to assert themselves early. Chances were created at either end, forcing both goalkeepers into action. Shillong’s Siwel Rymbai was particularly busy in the opening exchanges, pulling off crucial saves to deny Suamsawnga and Brazilian winger Jota, who looked lively on the flanks.
Chanmari’s early pressure paid off in the 16th minute, courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance from Christo Kamei. Awarded a free-kick after Aaron was brought down by Shillong skipper Kenstar Kharshong who was booked for the challenge Kamei stepped up and delivered a stunning left-footed strike over the wall and into the top corner. It was a goal of high technical quality, reflecting both confidence and precision.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, Chanmari continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. Their attacking play, largely orchestrated by Jota on the left wing, consistently troubled the Shillong defence. Muasang, tasked with containing the Brazilian, found himself under sustained pressure as Chanmari pushed for a second goal.
Despite their dominance, Chanmari were unable to extend their lead a factor that would prove costly. Shillong Lajong, though second-best for much of the half, remained compact and looked to exploit opportunities on the counter.
Their persistence was rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time in a moment of controversy and high drama. Everbrightson Sana made a well-timed run to latch onto a long ball, getting behind the Chanmari defence. As he attempted to control the situation, goalkeeper Zothanmawia lunged in with both feet, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
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Phrangki Buam stepped up and struck the spot-kick with power. The ball crashed against the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the line, leaving no doubt about the equaliser. Against the run of play, Shillong had drawn level, shifting the momentum heading into halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chanmari once again asserting themselves in attack. They created several promising openings but were let down by their finishing. Both Amuana and Jota had clear chances to restore the lead but failed to convert, allowing Shillong to stay in the contest.
As the game progressed, Shillong began to grow into the match. The introduction of Tremeiki alongside Buam added pace and urgency to their forward play. The visitors started to push higher up the pitch, creating more sustained attacking phases in the closing minutes.
With the clock ticking down and the match seemingly headed for a draw, Shillong produced one final moment of quality. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Jakob made an incisive run down the left flank before delivering a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Buam, timing his movement to perfection, met the ball and calmly slotted it past Zothanmawia.
The goal, coming in the 90+5th minute, completed a remarkable turnaround and silenced the home crowd. With barely any time left on the clock, Shillong had snatched victory in dramatic fashion.
For Shillong Lajong, the result is a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalise on key moments. Despite being outplayed for significant stretches, they remained disciplined and clinical when it mattered most. Buam’s brace not only secured three points but also highlighted his importance as a decisive figure in the team’s attacking setup.
For Chanmari FC, the defeat will be a difficult one to process. Their overall performance particularly in terms of possession and chance creation suggested they deserved more from the game. However, their inability to convert opportunities and manage critical moments ultimately proved costly.
The result also reflects the unpredictable nature of the league, where momentum can shift rapidly and matches are often decided by narrow margins. With Shillong now sitting at the top of the table and Chanmari slipping to sixth, the implications extend beyond just one result.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on the lessons from this encounter. Shillong will aim to maintain their momentum and consolidate their position at the summit, while Chanmari will need to address their finishing and defensive lapses.
In a contest that had everything quality goals, tactical battles, and late drama it was Phrangki Buam who emerged as the difference-maker, delivering when it mattered most to send Shillong Lajong to the top of the table.
