IFL 2026/27: Nelson Rymbai’s late strike gives Shillong Lajong 1-0 win over Mohammedan SC
Substitute Nelson Rymbai struck in the 90th minute to break the deadlock and hand the visitors all three points.
Updated : Oct 31, 2026 19:43 IST , Kalyani - 3 MINS READ
Shillong Lajong narrowly missed out on promotion last season after it finished second in the IFL. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Shillong Lajong narrowly missed out on promotion last season after it finished second in the IFL. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Shillong Lajong FC began its Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 campaign on a winning note, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mohammedan SC at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani on Saturday. Substitute Nelson Rymbai struck in the 90th minute to break the deadlock and hand the visitors all three points.
After dominating possession for large periods of the contest and creating several promising opportunities, Shillong Lajong finally found the breakthrough in the closing moments. Substitute Abelson Jachi won possession near the Mohammedan penalty area before cutting the ball back for Rymbai, who calmly finished with his right foot to seal a deserved victory for the visitor.
Shillong Lajong dictated the tempo from the opening exchanges, moving the ball confidently and using the flanks to stretch the Mohammedan defence. Damaitphang Lyngdoh and winger João Vitor de Paula Morais (Jota) were particularly influential in the attacking third, while captain Kenstar Kharshong and Overkindness L Mawnai marshalled the visitors’ forward movement.
Mohammedan, meanwhile, adopted a deeper defensive approach and looked to threaten on the counter-attack.
The visitor registered its first significant attempt in the 20th minute when defender Joedson dos Santos unleashed a powerful effort. Mohammedan goalkeeper Nikhil Deka initially fumbled the ball but recovered quickly to gather it safely. Mohammedan attempted to break on the counter at the other end, but Joedson tracked back swiftly to intercept the pass and prevent the attack from developing.
Shillong continued to find spaces through its attacking combinations. In the 22nd minute, Jota linked up well with Lyngdoh and Everbrightson Sana, who looked set to take a shot on goal before Mohammedan defender Juwel Ahmed Mazumder produced an excellent tackle to clear the danger.
Despite Shillong Lajong enjoying the greater share of possession and registering 10 shots in the first half, it was unable to find the breakthrough, with only two attempts testing the goalkeeper. Mohammedan, on the other hand, remained dangerous on the counter, with both their attempts on target, as the teams went into the half-time break goalless.
The contest continued to produce end-to-end action, with both sides searching for the decisive goal. Mohammedan defender Dinesh Meitei made an important intervention in the 79th minute to prevent another Shillong attack from developing.
Shillong captain Kharshong came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 85th minute when he met a cross with a powerful header, only to see his effort crash against the woodwork. Mohammedan responded with a promising free-kick in the 89th minute, as Mahitosh produced a wonderful attempt that sailed inches over the crossbar.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute. Abelson Jachi won possession near the Mohammedan box before driving forward and cutting the ball back. Rymbai was perfectly positioned to receive the pass and calmly guided his right-footed finish into the net to give Shillong Lajong a crucial late lead.
The visitor looked to build on its advantage in the closing moments, with Rymbai attempting to add another goal in the fourth minute of added time. His powerful effort, however, was punched away by Deka, who had kept Mohammedan in the contest with a series of outstanding saves throughout the evening.
In the end, Nelson Rymbai’s late strike proved decisive as Shillong Lajong FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mohammedan SC.
Published on Oct 31, 2026
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