Shillong, Nov 6 Shillong Lajong FC came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Chanmari FC in their first home fixture of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 season here on Friday.
Substitute Abelson Jachi struck in the 78th minute to cancel out an own goal by Shillong defender Joedson dos Santos in the 24th minute.
Shillong Lajong began on the front foot, with Ephraim and Figo Syndai combining effectively down the left flank to win the first corner of the match in the fourth minute.
Chanmari defender Lalhmunmawia produced an excellent clearance in the ninth minute to halt an attack down the left by Ephraim.
The opening goal arrived in the 24th minute through an unfortunate own goal.
R Ramdinthara played a lofted ball from the centre towards Gabriel Ferriera Paz, who charged forward to meet the delivery.
Shillong defender Joedson dos Santos attempted to clear the danger but inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, handing Chanmari a 1-0 lead.
Shillong responded by increasing their attacking intensity.
Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Jota combined well down the left in the 31st minute, with Damaitphang getting a shot away, but Zothanmawia produced an important save to deny the midfielder.
Chanmari FC went into the half-time break with a slender 1-0 lead.
Shillong Lajong returned for the second half with greater urgency, with Everbrightson Sana and Jota looking to penetrate the Chanmari defensive line.
The sustained pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute when Shillong Lajong found the equaliser.
Kenstar Kharshong delivered a cross from the left, which Seila Toure attempted to clear.
The ball, however, fell kindly to Jachi inside the penalty area.
The substitute showed composure, took his time to set himself and produced a precise finish into the net to make it 1-1.
In the end, Jachi’s late equaliser ensured Shillong Lajong FC avoided defeat in their first home fixture of the season, while Chanmari FC earned a valuable point in their IFL 2026–27 debut.
(PTI News)
