IFL: Rymbai's late winner gives Shillong Lajong 1-0 win over Mohammedan

Shillong Lajong FC started their Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season with an away win on Saturday, beating Mohammedan SC 1-0 at Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal thanks to a 90th-minute goal from substitute Nelson Rymbai.

The goal came from two players who started on the bench. Abelson Jachi won the ball near the Mohammedan penalty area, carried it forward and pulled it back for Rymbai, who finished with his right foot to settle a match Lajong had controlled for long spells.

Lajong dominate, Deka defies them

The Meghalaya side kept most of the ball from the start, with Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Brazilian winger Joao Vitor de Paula Morais, known as Jota, at the heart of their attacks. Mohammedan sat deep and looked to hit back on the break.

Lajong had ten attempts in the first half but could not get past Mohammedan goalkeeper Nikhil Deka. He recovered after fumbling an early shot from defender Joedson dos Santos and blocked Everbrightson Sana's close-range effort with his foot shortly before half-time. At the other end, Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar tipped a Mahitosh Roy shot round the post.

Mohammedan coach Sudhir Mishra had to make an early change when F Lalremsanga was injured and replaced by Lalthankima.

Woodwork, then a breakthrough

The second half opened up. Thokchom Adison Singh found the side netting for Mohammedan, while Deka made a series of saves to keep out Lamlallian, Joedson and substitute Tremiki Lamurong. Sarkar also denied Adison after Lalthankima broke through.

Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong headed against the frame of the goal in the 85th minute, and Mahitosh curled a free-kick just over for the hosts four minutes later. Rymbai then broke the deadlock and nearly added a second in stoppage time, only for Deka to punch his shot clear.

Why it matters

Lajong finished second in the IFL last season and are again among the favourites in a league where promotion to the Indian Super League is at stake. Winning the opening match on the road, against a former I-League champion, gives the Shillong club an early lift in the title race.

The result is also a boost for Meghalaya football fans after Lajong's near miss last season. The club will be looking to build on the win when it plays its next league fixture.