Luka Majcen from Diamond Harbour FC produced a wonderful session to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in Match 15 of the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 season at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday. With the victory, Diamond Harbour moved up to second place in the standings with six points, trailing leaders Sreenidi Deccan only on goal difference. Meanwhile, Shillong Lajong slipped to fifth place with four points from three matches.
Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa retained the same starting XI for the second successive match. Diamond Harbour coach Kibu Vicuna made a single change, bringing Bryce Miranda into the side in place of Halicharan Narzary on the left wing.
Majcen strikes early to stun host team
Diamond Harbour wasted no time asserting themselves and took the lead within two minutes of kickoff. Luka Majcen initiated the move inside the penalty area and laid the ball off to Antonio Moyano, whose shot forced a save from goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai. The rebound fell perfectly for Majcen, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give his side a dream start.
The Slovenian striker doubled the advantage later in the half with another sharp finish. Hugo Diaz released Jobby Justin down the right flank after Shillong Lajong were dispossessed near the edge of the box. Justin delivered a low cross across the six-yard area, and Majcen was perfectly positioned to finish at the near post, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite going two goals down, Shillong Lajong stuck to their attacking approach, pressing high and using their wing-backs to trouble the visitors. Everbrightson Sana nearly pulled one back with a powerful header from Saveme Tariang’s cross, but goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh’s fingertips and the crossbar denied the effort.
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Diamond Harbour almost added a third just before halftime when Majcen’s shot was saved, and Bryce Miranda attempted a delicate chip over the keeper, only to see the ball crash off the crossbar.
Lajong fight back, but Harbour hold firm
Shillong Lajong came out strongly after the break and finally found a breakthrough nine minutes into the second half. A swift counterattack began deep in their own half as Everbrightson Sana released Gladdy Kharbuli with a clever pass. The midfielder burst forward and finished confidently past Dheeraj Singh to reduce the deficit.
The home team dominated possession thereafter, controlling the midfield and pushing Diamond Harbour deep into their own half. Lamlallian Vaiphei played a key role in dictating the tempo and creating chances from set pieces.
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Sana came close again when he challenged Dheeraj for a high ball that drifted toward the empty net, but Melroy Assisi made a crucial goal-line clearance. Moments later, Sana missed a golden chance to equalise when Damaitphang Lyngdoh cut the ball back into his path, only for the striker to fire over the bar.
Diamond Harbour survived the pressure and nearly extended their lead late in the match. Substitute Sunday Afolabi struck the crossbar with a thunderous long-range effort, while Siwel Rymbai made a sharp save to deny Moyano in stoppage time.
In the end, the visitors held their nerve to preserve the narrow lead and walk away with a crucial 2-1 victory.
