Diamond Harbour FC secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Shillong Lajong FC in Match 15 of the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025–26 season at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday.
A clinical first-half brace from Luka Majcen proved decisive as the visitors held on to claim all three points despite a strong second-half fightback from the hosts. With the win, Diamond Harbour climbed to second place in the table with six points, level with leaders Sreenidi Deccan but trailing on goal difference. Shillong Lajong, meanwhile, slipped to fifth place with four points from three matches.
Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa retained the same starting lineup that had featured in their previous match, showing faith in his squad’s consistency. On the other hand, Diamond Harbour coach Kibu Vicuña made a single change, bringing Bryce Miranda into the starting eleven on the left wing in place of Halicharan Narzary.
Majcen Strikes Early
Diamond Harbour made the perfect start, opening the scoring just two minutes into the match before the home defence had time to settle. Luka Majcen received the ball inside the penalty area and laid it off to Antonio Moyano, whose powerful attempt forced a save from goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai. However, the rebound fell kindly to Majcen, who reacted quickly to slot the ball into the net and give his side an early lead.
The early goal unsettled the hosts and allowed Diamond Harbour to grow into the game with confidence.
Second Goal Doubles Advantage
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 19th minute through another well-worked attacking move. After Shillong Lajong lost possession near their own box, Hugo Díaz quickly released Jobby Justin down the right flank. The captain delivered a low cross across the six-yard area, where Majcen positioned himself perfectly to finish at the near post.
The Slovenian striker’s composed finish gave Diamond Harbour a 2–0 lead, putting the visitors firmly in control of the contest.
Lajong Respond with Attacking Intent
Despite falling behind, Shillong Lajong remained committed to their attacking style of play. The hosts pressed high and used their wing-backs and wide players to stretch the Diamond Harbour defence. They nearly pulled one back in the first half when Saveme Tariang delivered an excellent cross into the box. Everbrightson Sana rose highest to power a header towards goal, but a combination of goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh’s fingertips and the crossbar denied the striker.
Shillong’s aggressive approach left spaces at the back, which Diamond Harbour attempted to exploit through quick counter-attacks. Just before half-time, the visitors almost scored a third goal through another rapid transition. Majcen’s initial shot was parried by Rymbai, and the rebound fell to Bryce Miranda, who attempted to chip the goalkeeper. However, his effort struck the crossbar, allowing Shillong Lajong to escape further damage.
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Shillong Lajong finally found a breakthrough nine minutes after the restart through a superb counter-attacking move. The move began deep inside their own half when the defence cleared a long throw from the opposition. The ball fell to Everbrightson Sana, who quickly released Gladdy Kharbuli with a perfectly timed pass.
Kharbuli surged forward, shrugged off his marker and calmly slotted the ball past Dheeraj Singh to reduce the deficit to 2–1. The goal injected new energy into the home side and shifted the momentum of the match.
Lajong Push for Equaliser
Following the goal, Shillong Lajong dominated possession and controlled much of the play in the second half. Midfielder Lamlallian Vaiphei played a key role during this phase, dictating the tempo in midfield and delivering several dangerous set-pieces into the penalty area.
The hosts created several promising opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Everbrightson Sana came close after the hour mark when he challenged Dheeraj Singh for a high ball. The ball floated toward the empty net, but defender Melroy Assisi raced back to clear it off the goal line.
Moments later, Sana had another golden opportunity. After a slick attacking move, Damaitphang Lyngdoh cut the ball back into his path inside the box. However, the striker’s sliding effort sailed over the crossbar, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
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Despite being pinned back for large portions of the second half, Diamond Harbour remained resilient defensively. The visitors also continued to threaten on the counter. Substitute Sunday Afolabi nearly extended the lead with a powerful long-range strike that crashed against the crossbar.
In stoppage time, goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai produced an excellent save to deny Antonio Moyano from close range, keeping Shillong Lajong within touching distance until the final whistle. However, Diamond Harbour managed the closing stages well and held on to secure a valuable 2–1 victory.
Luka Majcen’s early double ultimately proved decisive as Diamond Harbour claimed their second consecutive win of the season. While Shillong Lajong will take encouragement from their spirited second-half performance, Diamond Harbour’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience ensured they walked away with all three points in an entertaining encounter in Shillong.
