Shillong Lajong Dominate Shillong Derby with 3-1 Victory Over Rangdajied United

Image Credit: Durand Media

In front of a packed JN Stadium, Shillong Lajong FC painted the city red with a rousing 3-1 victory over local rivals Rangdajied United FC in the Shillong Derby. The Group D clash of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup didn’t just offer goals — it delivered intent, discipline, and a reminder of why Lajong are the heart of football in the hills.

Mylliempdah opened the floodgates just before halftime, Lyngdoh restored the lead after a Rangdajied equalizer, and Kharbuli sealed it with a statement goal late in the second half. The Red Dragons walked off the turf not just as winners, but as serious contenders.

The first half was cagey, physical, and tense — classic derby energy. Rangdajied pressed high and fouled harder, racking up 21 fouls and two bookings across the 90 minutes. But Lajong, with their familiar 4-2-3-1, held shape and let the game come to them.

Their patience paid off in first-half stoppage time. Mylliempdah, lurking from a broken set-piece, slotted it past the keeper with sharp instincts. It was more than a goal — it was the momentum shifter.

To Rangdajied’s credit, they came out swinging after the break. Kurkalang brought them level in the 58th minute, finishing off a crisp team move that caught Lajong cold.

But the Red Dragons responded like champions. Lyngdoh’s composed finish just eight minutes later was a gut punch Rangdajied never recovered from. By the time Kharbuli buried the third, the home stands were already bouncing to the Lajong rhythm.

It wasn’t just about winning a group stage match — it was about control, belief, and showing that the Northeast still plays football on its own terms. While Rangdajied have heart, Lajong had the balance — aggressive when needed, intelligent when it mattered.

The numbers tell their own story: 53% possession, more passes, more precision. This was Lajong in full control.

Shillong Lajong now lead the group and look set for the knockouts, carrying not just form but fire. Rangdajied, meanwhile, need to regroup quickly — talent isn’t enough if discipline and game management fall short.