Shillong Lajong to face Sreenidi Deccan at SSA Stadium on Friday

Shillong Lajong FC will host Sreenidi Deccan FC at the SSA Stadium on Friday, with kick-off set for 6:30 pm, Highland Post reported. The clash features the clubs that finished second and third in the league last season and offers both teams a chance to add to the points they have already secured in the 2026-27 Indian Football League.

Lajong's recent form

Lajong began the season with a 1-0 win over Mohammedan SC at the Kalyani Stadium and a 1-1 draw with Chanmari FC at home, giving the club four points so far, the outlet noted. In the Kalyani match Lajong enjoyed around two-thirds of possession, recorded 32 shots and won 14 corners. The decisive goal arrived in the 90th minute when Nelson Rymbai finished a cut-back from Abelson Jachi. Against Chanmari, Lajong fell behind to a 24th-minute own goal but equalised in the 78th minute through Jachi.

Coach Birendra Thapa, who led an all-Indian squad to a runners-up finish last season, said after the draw, "In our last match we had 70 percent possession and controlled the game but football is not won on possession alone – we missed good chances and a single lapse at the back cost us all three points. Over the last few days, the boys have looked strong and positive in training. We have worked on improving our decision-making in the attacking third and cutting out defensive lapses, and we are ready to put in a strong performance tomorrow."

Both Abelson and Nelson began those two matches on the bench, and every one of Lajong’s four points has come from a goal involving a substitute, highlighting the depth of Thapa’s squad. Dead-ball situations have also featured, with captain Kenstar Kharshong having a header saved and another attempt rebound off the woodwork in the Kalyani game, while Joedson dos Santos has created problems from corners.

Midfield link-man Jota, signed from Chanmari in the summer, and Damaitphang Lyngdoh, who sets the rhythm beside him, have become central to Lajong’s play. Everbrightson Mylliempdah’s pace provides an outlet on the break, and league MVP Phrangki Buam remains a threat when arriving late in the penalty area.

Everbrightson, who renewed his contract for three years along with several academy graduates, noted that the team’s attack, which was entirely Indian last season and relied on quick breaks, now benefits from the quality added by foreign players. He added that playing at home in Shillong is an honour and gives the side a huge boost, and the club aims to give fans plenty to cheer about.

Sreenidi Deccan's away run

Sreenidi Deccan arrive for their third successive away match of the season. Coach Antonio Rueda, a Spaniard appointed in August after spells with Churchill Brothers and Gokulam Kerala, has guided the side to four points from the first two fixtures. The team recorded a 1-0 win over Rajasthan United FC in Jaipur on 1 November and a 1-1 draw with Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar a week later, Highland Post reported.

Rueda expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, "Our feeling is very good because we have four points from two very difficult away matches. We won in Rajasthan and could have won against Real Kashmir as well, where only a small mistake cost us all three points, so I am happy with the effort of the players."

Looking ahead

Both clubs will be keen to capitalize on the momentum they have built. Lajong will rely on the continuity of its core Indian players and the added quality of recent foreign signings, while Sreenidi Deccan will aim to extend their unbeaten start on the road. The Friday encounter at the SSA Stadium promises a competitive contest as the two sides seek to improve their early-season standings.