Shillong, October 29: Meghalaya’s Jakrem Sports Club secured a place in the Final Round of the Lxme Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL-2) 2026-27 after defeating Mumbai Knights FC 3-0 at the SSA Stadium, Polo, Shillong, on Thursday. Making their debut in the national competition, Jakrem SC completed their Group C campaign with a perfect record of three victories from three matches, collecting nine points to finish at the top of the standings.
Bahunlang Synrem, Iaphisha Marbaniang and Marbarin Nongrum scored a goal each to seal the victory and secure Jakrem’s qualification for the next stage. Mumbai Knights FC made a promising start and nearly took the lead in the 10th minute when a clearance by Jakrem goalkeeper Banrisha Wahlang fell to Geetika Negi, who failed to convert the opportunity.
Two minutes later, Jakrem defender Darishisha Kharlyngdoh made a crucial intervention to deny Mumbai captain Mahi Virdi a scoring opportunity. Jakrem gradually gained control of the match and began creating chances, with Judith Kharmuti coming close to opening the scoring in the 27th minute when her effort struck the crossbar.
The breakthrough finally came in the 40th minute when Bahunlang Synrem headed home a corner delivered by Marbarin Nongrum, giving the Meghalaya side a 1-0 advantage at half-time. Jakrem strengthened their attacking options in the second half with the introduction of Iaphisha Marbaniang and Baiahunshihsa Lyngdoh Nongbri.
The substitution paid off in the 60th minute when Iaphisha Marbaniang reacted quickly to a rebound following a long-range free-kick by Darishisha Kharlyngdoh and scored her first goal of the competition to double Jakrem’s lead. Seven minutes later, Marbarin Nongrum extended the advantage to 3-0 after another long-range free-kick from Kharlyngdoh created confusion inside the Mumbai penalty area.
Jakrem maintained their dominance for the remainder of the match, successfully defending their three-goal lead until the final whistle to complete an unbeaten group-stage campaign. Marbarin Nongrum was named Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution, which included a goal and an assist.
Notably, Jakrem SC players secured the Player of the Match award in all three of their group-stage fixtures. Makrisha Songthiang received the honour in the matches against AIFF TDS and Kemp FC, while Marbarin Nongrum claimed the award against Mumbai Knights FC.
The IWL-2 2026-27 features 16 teams divided into four groups, with the four group winners and the two best second-placed teams advancing to the six-team Final Round. The Final Round will be played in a single-leg round-robin format, with the dates and venue to be announced after the completion of the group-stage matches.
With three consecutive victories and an impressive debut performance, Jakrem SC will now aim to maintain their winning momentum in the Final Round as they continue their campaign on the national women’s football stage.
