Ricky Kharkongor and Lalmuansanga on target as Lajong extend run
Shillong — Shillong Lajong FC continued their strong start to the Shillong Premier League 2026 with a 2–0 victory over Meghalaya Police at the SSA Stadium on Tuesday, registering a fourth consecutive unbeaten outing and handing the police side their first loss of the campaign.
The match was settled by goals from Ricky Kharkongor in the 39th minute and Lalmuansanga in the 54th. Both teams had begun the fixture with two wins and a draw from their opening three games, but Lajong’s pace and attacking movement proved decisive against Meghalaya Police’s defence.
- Match: Shillong Lajong FC vs Meghalaya Police
- Venue: SSA Stadium, Shillong
- Score: Shillong Lajong 2–0 Meghalaya Police
- Goals: Ricky Kharkongor (39'), Lalmuansanga (54')
Lajong started brightly and created the opening chances, with Freddy Jyrwa and Lalmuansanga testing the opposition goalkeeper inside the first 10 minutes. A free‑kick from Galbraith Laitmon went narrowly over the bar before Meghalaya Police custodian Eveningstar Bareh produced an athletic boot‑save to keep out Lalmuansanga.
The breakthrough came late in the first half when Lalmuansanga switched to the left and delivered a cross into the area. The ball was met by Ricky Kharkongor, who volleyed it into the net to give Lajong a 1–0 lead. Kharkongor suffered an injury while scoring and was replaced at half‑time.
Meghalaya Police found it difficult to fashion clear openings in the first 45 minutes; Aldrin Ramsiej’s attempt that went wide represented their best effort of the period. Early in the second half the police side had an opportunity from a free‑kick at the edge of the box, but Bikram Chettri sent his effort well over the stands.
In the 54th minute a defensive error by Meghalaya Police presented Lajong with a second goal. A misplaced back pass allowed Lalmuansanga to race through, round Eveningstar and tap the ball calmly over the line, making it 2–0. Lalmuansanga then came close to a personal brace but miscued a volley and later had a penalty saved after Bikram was penalised for a foul inside the box; Eveningstar dove to his right and kept the strike out.
Lajong continued to press and created further chances. Fridison Wanniang struck the crossbar with a powerful attempt, while Meghalaya Police threatened with a headed effort from Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi that went over the bar following a Rapborlang Marwein free‑kick.
"Lajong continued to threaten until the final whistle."
The result ensures Shillong Lajong remain unbeaten after four matches in the early phase of the Shillong Premier League, consolidating their place among the competition's front‑runners. Meghalaya Police, who had not lost prior to this game, will seek to regroup after suffering their first defeat.
| Team | Goalscorers | Notable events |
|---|---|---|
| Shillong Lajong | Ricky Kharkongor (39'), Lalmuansanga (54') | Kharkongor injured while scoring; Lalmuansanga penalty saved later |
| Meghalaya Police | — | Missed early free‑kick; defensive error led to second goal |
Key moments that shaped the match included Lajong’s early pressure and the goal just before half‑time which forced Meghalaya Police to chase the game. The second‑half goal, created from an opponent’s mistake, gave Lajong control and permitted them to manage the match tempo while continuing to look for more. Eveningstar Bareh’s saves, including the penalty stop, prevented the scoreline from being more lopsided.
With this victory, Shillong Lajong will aim to carry momentum into their next fixture as the Shillong Premier League season progresses. Meghalaya Police will need to address defensive lapses that proved costly in this meeting if they are to bounce back in the coming matches.
