Shillong Lajong beat Laitkor 2-0 to move to second in SPL

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 2, 2025

Shillong Lajong climbed to second place in the Shillong Premier League 2025 after defeating Laitkor 2-0 at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Tuesday.

Deibormame Tongper (27’) and Emanbha Marbaniang (74’) found the net for Lajong, while Laitkor were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half.

Playing his first match of the season, Deibormame headed in a free-kick before the half-hour mark to give his side the lead. Laitkor, however, had started brightly, with Freelyson Tariang hitting the crossbar in the second minute and missing a follow-up attempt from close range.

Lajong’s defence, which had not conceded in their first two games, looked shaky early on as debutant goalkeeper Lakpa Lepcha misjudged a clearance in the ninth minute but escaped punishment. At the other end, Iohbor L Lyngkhoi struck the upright with a powerful effort in the 19th minute.

The game turned in the 66th minute when referee Jeffrey June Shabong showed a direct red card to Richarles Rani for a foul in the box and his reaction to the decision.

Deranius Wahlang then denied Lajong from the spot, diving low to his left to keep out Iohborlang’s penalty and smothering the rebound, lifting Laitkor’s fans in full voice.

But their hopes faded soon after, when a defensive lapse allowed Deibormame to set up Emanbha for a simple finish to seal the win.

With the result, Lajong move to 7 points from three games, trailing leaders Nangkiew Irat (9 points). Laitkor, on 3 points, sit sixth on goal difference.

The final fixture of Round 3 will see newly promoted sides Mylliem and Malki face off on Wednesday at 4:30pm.