Ludhiana, April 10 – Two quick goals in the second half by Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga helped Shillong Lajong FC defeat Namdhari FC 2-0 in the 2025-26 Indian Football League at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.
With this win, Shillong Lajong secured a place in the top half of the league table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remained in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.
Namdhari FC assistant coach Sirtaj Singh Randhawa made one change to the starting lineup, replacing Manbir Singh with Akashdeep Singh in defense. Meanwhile, Birendra Thapa made four changes to his team, starting Ranit Sarkar in goal instead of Siwel Rymbai, Kitboklang Khyriem replacing Samuel Muansang in defense, Abelson Jachi replacing Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli in midfield, and Ephraim Lalremtluanga replacing Treimiki Lamurong.
After a slow start to the first half, Shillong Lajong gained control and showed greater attacking promise. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, were particularly active on the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defense on their toes. Everbrightson Sana's header was well saved, but Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.
Namdhari relied on long passes and set pieces to create opportunities, using their physicality, but the Lajong defense stood firm, preventing any clear-cut chances in the first half. Both teams remained level at 0-0 at the break.
Shillong Lajong started the second half strongly, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space, and he skillfully passed to Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who then passed to Everbrightson Sana, who scored a superb first-time right-footed volley.
Everbrightson Sana then turned provider, assisting Shillong Lajong's second goal four minutes later. He sent a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and headed the ball into the net.
Namdhari almost pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh missed a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but he passed to teammates in the box instead of shooting, and the Namdhari defence cleared the danger.
Shillong Lajong dominated the final stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to create chances with long passes and their physicality, but they were unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.
In the end, Shillong Lajong secured a much-needed victory and confirmed their place in the top half of the league table.