Shillong, August 16, 2025: Shillong Lajong FC staged a spirited comeback to edge out Indian Navy FT 2-1 in the first quarterfinal of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, securing their second consecutive semi-final appearance.
After conceding in the 38th minute to Vijay Marandi, Lajong struck back in the second half through Damaitphang Lyngdoh (69’) and Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah (79’, penalty) to clinch victory in front of their home fans.
The match began cautiously with both sides probing for openings. Indian Navy broke the deadlock when Marandi showed composure inside the box, rounding off goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai and defenders before his left-footed shot found the net via a deflection. Earlier, both custodians had produced fine saves – Rymbai denying Sreyas V.G’s header while Navy captain Bhaskar Roy stopped Gladdy Kharbuli’s effort.
Pushed by the roaring crowd, Lajong raised their intensity after the break. They came close through Sana’s header that rattled the crossbar and Sheen Stevenson’s missed chance. Persistence paid off when Damaitphang’s curling cross from the left fortuitously dipped into the far corner to level the tie.
Ten minutes later, Sana won a penalty after a deft turn drew a foul from Novin Gurung. The youngster kept his composure from the spot to complete Lajong’s turnaround.
Indian Navy pressed hard for an equaliser in the dying minutes, but the Lajong defence, marshalled by Kenstar Kharshong and Rudra Ved, stood tall to seal a historic third Durand Cup semi-final appearance for the club.
