Shillong, July 31: Shillong Lajong FC made a winning start to their 135th IndianOil Durand Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over local rivals Nongkseh Sports & Social Cultural Club (SS&CC) in the opening Group E fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday.
Goals from Everbrightson Sana in the 70th minute and Tremiki Lamurong in the 86th minute secured all three points for the Red Dragons in the much-anticipated Shillong Derby.
Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa fielded a strong side built around the core of the squad that finished runners-up in the 2025–26 Indian Football League season, with new Brazilian signings Arthur Pangaro and Jota making their Durand Cup debuts.
Nongkseh, making their maiden appearance in the prestigious tournament under head coach Joseph Naik, fielded an all-Indian lineup led by former Shillong Lajong captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri.
Despite their debut status, Nongkseh made a confident start, pressing high and controlling the midfield during the opening exchanges. They nearly took the lead when Sheen Stevenson Sohktung capitalised on a defensive lapse and unleashed a left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area, only to see the ball crash against the crossbar.
Shillong Lajong gradually settled into the game and began dominating possession through midfielders Lamlallian Vaiphei and Gladdy Kharbuli. The Red Dragons threatened through quick counter-attacks and set-pieces but were unable to find the breakthrough before half-time, with Everbrightson Sana and Jota both missing promising chances.
The second half saw both sides create opportunities, with Nongkseh missing a golden chance just after the hour mark. Aenam Graffenberg Jurwa outmuscled Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong before setting up Khyriem Wahlang, who fired over the crossbar from close range.
Shillong Lajong capitalised on the missed opportunity ten minutes later. Brazilian forward Jota floated a pass into the box where Phrangki Buam collected possession before laying it off for Everbrightson Sana, who calmly slotted the ball into an empty net to open the scoring.
Lajong doubled their advantage in the 86th minute when Buam once again turned provider, threading a clever reverse pass into the path of Tremiki Lamurong, who raced into the penalty area and finished confidently through the legs of the advancing goalkeeper.
Shillong Lajong comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure an impressive opening-day victory and move to the top of Group E.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup is being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV. The tournament continues on Saturday with NorthEast United FC taking on Bodoland FC in Group F at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
