Indian Football League 2025-26: Shillong Lajong secures comfortable victory against Namdhari Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.
With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.
After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.
At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.
ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash
The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.
Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.
The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.
Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.
Published on Apr 10, 2026
#Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari
Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.
With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.
After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.
At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.
ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash
The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.
Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.
The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.
Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.
Published on Apr 10, 2026
![Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026 #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race](https://i0.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/65qm0v/article70929338.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/2026-04-18T190824Z_1934087911_UP1EM4I1H5YY8_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-CHE-MUN.JPG?ssl=1 "Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026 #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race")
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