Shillong, Nov 6: Substitute Abelson Jachi came to Shillong Lajong FC’s rescue with a 78th-minute equaliser as the hosts fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Chanmari FC in their first home fixture of the 2026-27 Indian Football League (IFL) season at the SSA Stadium on Friday.
An unfortunate own goal by Lajong defender Joedson dos Santos in the 24th minute had put the visitors ahead, but Jachi’s composed finish in the closing stages ensured that the points were shared in an entertaining Northeast derby.
Chanmari, playing their first match of the season, began confidently and looked well organised, while Lajong sought to build on their opening-day victory over Mohammedan SC in Kolkata.
The hosts started brightly, with Ephraim HC and Figo Syndai combining down the left to win an early corner in the fourth minute. Captain Kenstar Kharshong’s free-kick three minutes later was punched away by Chanmari goalkeeper Zothanmawia.
The visitors gradually settled into the contest, with their defensive line, marshalled by Seila Toure, doing well to contain Lajong’s attacking movements. Zothanmawia was also called into action on several occasions, dealing confidently with deliveries into the penalty area.
Chanmari came close to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute when Lalthanzuala made an excellent run down the right before unleashing a shot that struck the woodwork.
The visitors, however, found their breakthrough just three minutes later. R Ramdinthara sent a lofted ball forward towards Gabriel Ferriera Paz, who moved into the attacking area. Joedson dos Santos attempted to intervene but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Chanmari a 1-0 lead.
Lajong responded by increasing the pressure. Damaitphang Lyngdoh combined with Jota down the left in the 31st minute before getting a shot away, but Zothanmawia produced an important save.
Two minutes later, Lamlallian delivered a well-weighted ball from midfield, which Everbrightson Sana attempted to turn towards goal with a clever piece of skill. However, his effort narrowly missed the target.
The hosts continued to search for an equaliser before the break, but Chanmari remained disciplined at the back. Jota had another opportunity in first-half stoppage time, only for Seila Toure to intervene brilliantly and clear the danger near the goal line.
Chanmari went into the interval with their one-goal advantage intact.
Lajong returned for the second half with greater urgency, looking to break down the visitors’ defensive organisation. The introduction of Jachi added pace and attacking impetus down the right, although clear-cut opportunities remained difficult to come by.
Chanmari also threatened to extend their lead. In the 63rd minute, substitutes Aron Vanlalrinchhana and Guite Vanlalpeka combined well, with the latter getting a shot away that went wide.
Lajong responded two minutes later when Jachi delivered a lofted ball into the penalty area. Sana rose to meet it with a header, but his effort sailed over the target.
The hosts came agonisingly close to drawing level in the 72nd minute. Following an attacking move involving Jachi, Joedson pushed forward and unleashed a shot that struck the near post, denying Lajong a deserved opportunity to get back into the contest.
The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes later. Kharshong delivered a cross from the left, which Seila Toure attempted to clear. The ball fell into Jachi’s path inside the penalty area, and the substitute made no mistake, taking a moment to compose himself before guiding a precise finish into the net to make it 1-1.
With the scores level, both teams looked for a late winner, but neither could find the decisive goal despite an open finish to the encounter.
The draw gives Chanmari a point in their opening match of the campaign, while Lajong will have to settle for a share of the points after failing to turn their home advantage into a second consecutive victory.
