Shillong Lajong fight back to hold Chanmari FC in 1-1 Northeast derby

Abelson Jachi came off the bench to score a 78th-minute equaliser after Joedson dos Santos’ own goal had given Chanmari the lead in their first match of the IFL 2026–27 season.

Shillong Lajong FC began their home campaign in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Chanmari FC at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday. Substitute Abelson Jachi scored in the 78th minute to rescue a point for the hosts after defender Joedson dos Santos had inadvertently put the ball into his own net in the first half.

The result gave Chanmari a point in their first appearance of the campaign, while Shillong Lajong were left to settle for a draw despite creating several opportunities, particularly after the break.

Coming into the contest after winning their season opener against Mohammedan SC, Shillong looked to use their home advantage and started on the front foot. Chanmari, making their first appearance of the season, responded with an organised defensive structure and looked dangerous when moving forward.

Shillong threatened early, with Ephraim HC and Figo Syndai combining down the left to win a corner in the fourth minute. Captain Kenstar Kharshong subsequently tested the Chanmari defence with a free-kick, but goalkeeper and captain Zothanmawia punched the delivery clear.

The visitors gradually settled into the contest. Their defensive line, marshalled by Seila Toure, dealt effectively with Shillong's attacks, while goalkeeper Zothanmawia remained assured in dealing with crosses and deliveries into the penalty area.

Chanmari came close to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute. Forward Lalthanzuala made an excellent run down the right and unleashed an effort that struck the woodwork, giving the hosts an early warning.

Three minutes later, the visitors found the breakthrough through an unfortunate moment for Shillong. R Ramdinthara played a lofted ball from the centre towards Gabriel Ferriera Paz, who moved forward to meet it. Joedson attempted to clear the danger but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Chanmari a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.

Shillong responded by increasing their attacking intensity. Damaitphang Lyngdoh combined with Jota down the left in the 31st minute before getting a shot away, but Zothanmawia produced an important save. Everbrightson Sana also came close shortly afterwards, attempting to turn Lamlallian's delivery towards goal with an inventive touch, only for his effort to miss the target.

The hosts continued searching for an equaliser before half-time, but Chanmari maintained their defensive discipline. Jota had another opportunity in stoppage time, shooting from the left, but Seila Toure intervened with an important clearance close to the goal line.

Chanmari therefore went into the break with a narrow 1-0 advantage.

Jachi changes the attacking equation

Shillong returned for the second half with greater urgency, looking to find ways through a Chanmari defence that continued to hold its shape. Seila Toure remained influential at the back, organising the defensive line and restricting the hosts' opportunities in the final third.

The introduction of Jachi gave Shillong another attacking option, particularly down the right flank. His movement and willingness to deliver balls into the penalty area helped the hosts stretch the visitors' defensive structure.

Chanmari also looked to exploit opportunities on the counter. In the 63rd minute, substitutes Aron Vanlalrinchhana and Guite Vanlalpeka combined well, with the latter getting a shot away that went wide.

Shillong responded almost immediately. Jachi delivered a dangerous lofted ball into the box in the 65th minute, and Sana rose to meet it with a header, but the effort sailed over the target.

The hosts came particularly close to equalising in the 72nd minute. After Jachi slipped during an attacking move, Joedson advanced and struck towards goal, only for his effort to hit the near post. It was another frustrating moment for Shillong, who had increased their pressure but were still unable to find a way past Zothanmawia and the Chanmari defence.

The sustained pressure finally produced a breakthrough in the 78th minute. 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 showed composure to set himself before placing a precise finish into the net.

The goal brought Shillong to level 1-1 and transformed the closing stages into an open contest. Both sides pushed forward in search of a winner, with the possibility of a late breakthrough keeping the match competitive.

However, neither team could find the decisive goal. Shillong had recovered from the own goal that had put them behind, while Chanmari held on to secure a point from their first match of the season.

For Shillong Lajong, Jachi's contribution ensured that their first home fixture did not end in defeat. The result also extended their positive start after the opening-round victory, although the hosts will reflect on the chances they created and the opportunities to take all three points.

For Chanmari, the draw represented a useful start to their IFL 2026–27 campaign. Their defensive organisation, Zothanmawia's goalkeeping and Toure's interventions kept Shillong at bay for long periods. Ultimately, Jachi's late finish meant the Northeast derby ended with honours even at the SSA Stadium.