Diamond Harbour FC, the newly-crowned champions of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26, will host Shillong Lajong FC in the season's final fixture at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani on Saturday, 24 May 2025. The match is a celebration of the league's top two sides, with the title already decided and second place still on the line.

Title Secured, Pride Still at Stake

Diamond Harbour clinched the IFL 2025-26 title following a dramatic 1-1 draw against Dempo SC in Goa last Sunday, finishing the league phase with an unassailable 29 points from 13 matches. Shillong Lajong arrive in Kalyani sitting second on 25 points — level with Sreenidi Deccan but ahead on table ranking — and will need a positive result to guarantee the runners-up spot.

The two sides last met on 14 March in the league stage, where Diamond Harbour edged a tight 2-1 victory. Shillong, however, have been in impressive form since, going unbeaten in their last six matches.

What the Coaches Said

Diamond Harbour head coach Kibu Vicuña, the Spanish tactician who guided the club to their maiden IFL title and a historic Indian Super League (ISL) promotion, spoke of the journey with clear emotion. 'Fantastic feeling to be a part of this unit. So proud, happy, and very satisfied for the whole DHFC family,' said Vicuña. He credited the club's ambition from the outset: 'The vision that they had from the beginning was not only to participate. The vision was to win any tournament that we were playing.'

On Saturday's approach, Vicuña was unequivocal: 'The same approach as all the games. Try to play our game, be better than the opponent, and create more chances than the opponent. Try to be an offensive team, fight for every single ball, every single challenge.'

Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa acknowledged the title was settled but remained focused on a strong finish. 'As you know, the championship is already decided, but, for me, we want to finish on a good note,' said Thapa. 'We have not decided whether we are second or third, but we'll go all out for the match tomorrow. If we get second position, it's also a good result for us.'

Thapa also took pride in his squad's achievement, noting: 'The boys have done tremendously well this season despite playing with an all-Indian squad. I think this is the best position the club has ever achieved.'

Key Players to Watch

Diamond Harbour will rely on their potent attacking unit. Antonio Moyano and Hugo Díaz have each contributed four goals this campaign, with Moyano also leading the team with four assists. Striker Luka Majcen adds another four goals, while Jobby Justin has chipped in with three assists.

Forward Girik Khosla captured the squad's mood ahead of the finale: 'It will be a positive approach. We will go for all three points. Some players are still hungry to play. We will go all out.' On the team's secret, Khosla pointed to cohesion: 'I think unity. The vision of the team and the unity of the team.'

For Shillong, centre-forward Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah and attacking midfielder Phrangki Buam have each netted four goals, while forward Treimiki Lamurong has added three goals. The Red Dragons have averaged nearly two goals per game this season, and their backline has conceded 12 goals in 13 matches.

Lamurong reflected warmly on the season: 'The feeling we have in our team is very good. Unfortunately, we didn't win this championship. But the feeling is still good.' He also acknowledged the supporters: 'Without you guys, we would not have reached second place.'

Broader Significance

Diamond Harbour's title win is more than a domestic honour — it secures the club's promotion to the Indian Super League, marking a watershed moment for a club that began this campaign with ISL qualification as a dream. The result also underlines the growing competitiveness of the IFL, with Shillong Lajong's all-Indian squad pushing the champions to the final day.

With Diamond Harbour seeking to extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches and Shillong hunting the runners-up position, Saturday's finale at Kalyani Stadium is set to be a fitting close to the IFL 2025-26 season.