Shillong, May 15: Shillong Lajong FC will look to keep their Indian Football League 2025-26 title hopes alive when they host Rajasthan United FC in a crucial Championship Phase encounter at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday, May 15.
With only two rounds remaining in the season, Diamond Harbour FC lead the standings with 28 points, six ahead of Shillong and Sreenidi Deccan FC, who are level on 22 points each. Rajasthan United sit fourth with 17 points and are already out of contention for the title.
For Shillong, the equation is straightforward — anything less than victory could effectively end their title challenge. A win would take them to 25 points ahead of a decisive final-round fixture against Diamond Harbour, although other results would still need to favour them.
Shillong head coach Birendra Thapa acknowledged the importance of the contest and admitted the pressure surrounding the game.
“If we win, the hope is still there. But if we lose or draw, then the chances of the title hope are gone,” he said.
Shillong enter the match after a 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan, a result that slowed their momentum in the race. Defender Saveme Tariang said the team remained positive despite the setback.
“We created chances and showed a good fight. Now it’s about learning from that and being more clinical in the final third,” he said.
Although Rajasthan United are out of the title race, they still have the opportunity to influence the final standings. A win for the visitors would effectively eliminate Shillong from contention, while even a draw would leave the hosts heavily dependent on other results.
Assistant coach Vikas Rawat said Rajasthan remained fully motivated despite recent disappointments.
“We are still together, and we are working very hard every single day for this match. We are here to win the game, nothing else on the mind,” he said.
Rajasthan come into the fixture after suffering a 5-2 defeat against Diamond Harbour FC. Defender Abhishek Ambekar, however, insisted the side was determined to finish the campaign strongly.
“It’s not over till the last result. Still two games remaining and we will try to end this on a very positive note,” he said.
The rivalry between the two clubs has remained closely contested in recent seasons. Out of five previous meetings, both teams have won once while three matches ended in draws. Their last encounter in March finished 1-1.
Shillong have impressed with consistency throughout the campaign, scoring 21 goals — the second-highest tally in the league — while also maintaining the best defensive record after conceding only 10 goals.
Attackers Phrangki Buam, Everbrightson Sana and Treimiki Lamurong are expected to shoulder much of Shillong’s attacking responsibility once again.
Rajasthan United, meanwhile, will rely on experienced players such as Gerard Artigas, Amadou Soukouna and Pangambam Naoba Meitei to challenge the hosts.
Friday’s match will also be Shillong’s final home fixture of the season, adding further emotional significance to the occasion. Thapa said the team hoped to reward supporters with a memorable performance.
“We want to give something to the fans, to the public, to the crowd of Shillong, something to cheer about. The best gift is to win the game and get three points,” he said.
With the Championship Phase entering its decisive stage, Shillong have little margin for error, while Rajasthan United have the chance to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the title race.
