Shillong Lajong FC secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in Match 11 of the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday.

Joedson dos Santos broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a well-executed set-piece finish. Sreenidi Deccan responded through substitute Nicolas Morinigo in the 72nd minute, but Shillong Lajong had the final say as substitute Tremiki Lamurong scored a superb winner in the 84th minute.

The result temporarily propelled Shillong Lajong to the top of the league standings with seven points from three matches. Sreenidi Deccan, meanwhile, remained fourth with four points from as many games. Joedson dos Santos was adjudged Player of the Match.

Shillong Lajong Dominate First Half but Fail to Score

Shillong Lajong started brightly, taking control of possession and dictating the tempo through the midfield. Lamlallian Valphei, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli, Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Abelson Jachi combined effectively, using quick passing movements to trouble the visitors.

Their first significant opportunity arrived in the 10th minute when Everbrightson Sana unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area. However, Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh reacted brilliantly to push the shot away with a fingertip save.

Sreenidi Deccan also threatened on the counter. Adriano Castanheira played Jerry Mawihmingthanga through the middle, but Shillong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar came off his line at the right moment to deny the forward.

The visitors came even closer moments later. Castanheira picked out David Castañeda, whose effort was redirected onto the base of the post by Ranit. The ball then struck the opposite post before staying out, giving Shillong Lajong a significant escape.

Despite enjoying greater possession, the home side struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Kamaljit remained composed, dealing with crosses and set-piece deliveries, while also preventing Damaitphang Lyngdoh from connecting properly with a low cross from Everbrightson Sana.

Both teams went into the interval level at 0-0.

Joedson Breaks the Deadlock After the Restart

Shillong Lajong’s persistence finally paid off five minutes into the second half.

A cleverly executed set-piece routine caught the Sreenidi Deccan defence off guard. Ephraim Lalremtluanga delivered an excellent ball into the area, where Joedson dos Santos timed his run perfectly before guiding a left-footed finish beyond Kamaljit Singh.

Trailing by a goal, Sreenidi Deccan head coach Antonio Rueda introduced Brandon Vanlalremdika, K. Abhijith and Nicolas Morinigo after the 65th minute, hoping to change the momentum of the contest.

The substitutions quickly made an impact.

In the 72nd minute, right-back Jagdeep Singh sent a looping cross from the right flank into the penalty area. Morinigo outjumped his marker, Joedson dos Santos, and powered a header past substitute goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai to bring Sreenidi Deccan back into the contest.

Tremiki Lamurong Delivers the Winning Moment

Sreenidi Deccan had an excellent opportunity to take the lead shortly afterwards. A mistake by Siwel Rymbai allowed the ball to fall to Adriano Castanheira near the six-yard box. However, the midfielder failed to capitalise, sending his effort over the crossbar.

The missed opportunity proved expensive.

In the 84th minute, substitute Tremiki Lamurong produced a moment of individual brilliance to restore Shillong Lajong’s advantage. Collecting possession on the right side of the penalty area, Lamurong used quick footwork to get past Brandon Vanlalremdika before curling a superb left-footed strike beyond Kamaljit Singh.

Sreenidi Deccan pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages. Captain David Castañeda appeared to have rescued a point for the visitors, but his looping header was cleared off the goal line by Shillong Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong.

Despite sustained pressure from the visitors in the final minutes, Shillong Lajong held their defensive shape and protected their lead until the final whistle.

The victory marked an important result for the Meghalaya side, who temporarily moved to the summit of the IFL 2026-27 standings after a hard-fought performance against Sreenidi Deccan.