Shillong Lajong FC Thrash Malaysian Armed Forces FT 6–0 in Durand Cup Opener

Image Credit: Durand Media

Shillong Lajong FC made a statement of intent in their opening match of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, dismantling Malaysia’s Armed Forces Football Team (ATM FT) 6–0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. It was a commanding performance by the young Meghalaya side, who dominated the Group E encounter from the outset.

Everbrightson Sana and Phrangki Buam led the scoring with a brace each, while substitutes Treimiki Lamurong and Deibormame Tongper also found the net to seal an emphatic result for head coach Birendra Thapa’s men. Employing a youthful 4-3-3 setup, Shillong Lajong combined fluid attacking play with relentless energy and pressing, proving too much for their Malaysian opponents to handle.

Sana opened the scoring early with a clinical header from a Rudra Ved cross after a well-worked set piece. The second half saw Shillong go into overdrive, with Buam scoring twice in two minutes—first through a smart finish from a Stevenson freekick, followed by a one-on-one conversion after a clever through ball. Sana added his second in the 66th minute, turning sharply before finding the back of the net.

Lamurong made it 5–0 with a curling strike from the edge of the box, and Tongper rounded off the scoring just before the final whistle after a neat attacking move. ATM FT, led by coach Mohamad Khairil Hafiz Mohd. Zanggi, failed to mount any real threat, with Shillong’s defence remaining composed throughout.

Shillong’s high-tempo football, confidence in transition, and clinical finishing ensured a dominant start to their Durand Cup campaign and sent a clear message to their group opponents.