Shillong Lajong FC came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Chanmari FC in their first home fixture of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 season at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday, 6 November 2026. Substitute Abelson Jachi struck in the 78th minute to cancel out an own goal by Shillong defender Joedson dos Santos in the 24th minute, ensuring both sides shared the spoils in an entertaining Northeast derby.

First Half: Chanmari Strike Early Through Own Goal

Shillong Lajong began brightly, with Ephraim HC and Figo Syndai combining down the left flank to win the first corner as early as the 4th minute. Captain Kenstar Kharshong tested the visitors from a free-kick in the 7th minute, but Chanmari goalkeeper and captain Zothanmawia punched clear confidently.

Chanmari came close to opening the scoring in the 21st minute when forward Lalthanzuala made a brilliant run down the right, only for his effort to strike the woodwork. The breakthrough arrived three minutes later through unfortunate circumstances — R Ramdinthara played a lofted ball towards Gabriel Ferriera Paz, and as defender Joedson dos Santos attempted to clear the danger, he inadvertently directed the ball into his own net to hand Chanmari a 1-0 lead.

Shillong Lajong pushed for a quick response, with Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Jota combining well down the left in the 31st minute. Zothanmawia, however, produced a sharp save to deny Damaitphang. In stoppage time, centre-back Seila Toure made a crucial intervention on the goal line to preserve Chanmari's advantage, as the visitors headed into the break leading 1-0.

Second Half: Lajong Press Hard, Jachi Delivers the Leveller

Shillong Lajong returned with greater urgency after the interval, with Everbrightson Sana and Jota looking to unlock the Chanmari defensive block. Chanmari, well-organised at the back and marshalled by Seila Toure, restricted the hosts in the opening exchanges of the second period.

The visitors had a chance to extend their lead in the 63rd minute when substitutes Aron Vanlalrinchhana and Guite Vanlalpeka combined, but Vanlalpeka's shot went wide. Shillong responded almost immediately — Jachi's lofted delivery in the 65th minute found Sana, whose header also sailed over.

The home side came agonisingly close in the 72nd minute when dos Santos, making a forward run after Jachi slipped, unleashed a shot that rattled the near post. The persistence finally paid off in the 78th minute: a cross from captain Kenstar Kharshong was partially cleared by Toure, the ball dropping to Jachi inside the box. The substitute composed himself and finished precisely to make it 1-1.

Final Stages: Both Sides Chase the Winner

With the scores level, the match opened up into an end-to-end contest as both teams pushed for a winning goal. Neither side, however, could find the decisive breakthrough, and the referee's final whistle confirmed the draw. Notably, this was Chanmari's first match of the IFL 2026–27 campaign, meaning they picked up a point on debut, while Shillong Lajong extended their unbeaten run to two matches — having won their season opener.

Key Performances and Match Context

Abelson Jachi was the standout performer off the bench for Shillong Lajong, contributing the equaliser and consistently stretching the Chanmari defence. For the visitors, goalkeeper Zothanmawia was assured throughout, while centre-back Seila Toure was imperious at the back until the late equaliser. Denilson Rodrigues Roldao showed flashes of quality in midfield for Chanmari.

The result leaves the Northeast derby evenly contested, with both clubs now looking ahead to their respective upcoming fixtures in what promises to be a competitive IFL season.