Shillong Lajong FC will face Chanmari FC in a Championship Phase fixture of the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday, May 2, with kick-off at 18:30 IST.
Both teams have experienced a slow start in this phase and will be keen to return to winning ways. Chanmari were defeated 0-2 by league leaders Diamond Harbour FC in their previous match, while Shillong Lajong drew 0-0 with Dempo SC, according to a release.
Shillong Lajong, known as the Red Dragons, currently lie second in the standings with 18 points and must win to stay close to the summit. With Diamond Harbour seven points clear and only four matches remaining, Shillong's opportunity for error is limited. Chanmari, placed fifth with 11 points, are out of title contention and will compete for pride and the best possible finish; a win will not improve their position due to a six-point gap behind Rajasthan United FC in fourth place.
Shillong will draw confidence from their previous encounter, where they defeated Chanmari 2-1 during the league phase on March 19. Phrangki Buam scored twice for the Red Dragons, while P Christopher Kamei scored for Chanmari. The advantage of playing at home further bolsters Shillong's prospects.
The hosts possess a strong offensive lineup. Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah has contributed six goal involvements (four goals and two assists), and Buam has five (four goals and one assist). Midfielders Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli and Damaitphang Lyngdoh provide control in the centre, with Ephraim Lalremtluanga adding width on the right flank. Shillong will aim to exploit a Chanmari defence that has conceded 17 goals, the highest in the Championship Phase.
Chanmari's defence will undergo considerable pressure from Shillong's attack, which has scored 16 goals, the second highest in this phase after Diamond Harbour. To counter this, centre-backs Marlon De Almeida Rangel and Lalrinchhana Tochhawng must perform consistently, supported by full-backs Zothanpuia and F Malsawmtluanga. Offensively, Chanmari's creativity depends significantly on Kamei, who has five goal contributions this season (two goals and three assists), while J Lalruatsanga, with three goals, leads the attack.
This fixture highlights differing objectives: Shillong Lajong needs a victory to sustain their title challenge and maintain pressure on Diamond Harbour, whereas Chanmari aims to end their campaign competitively and with pride. Both teams seek to improve after underwhelming starts, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter in which precision, discipline, and execution will be decisive.