Shillong Lajong secure promotion to I-League 2023-24

Shillong Lajong will be back in the I-League after four years.

Shillong Lajong emerged victorious over FC Bengaluru United in the final round qualification matches of the I-League Second Division, earning them a place in the upcoming I-League season. A 2-1 victory over the side from Bengaluru, sealed Lajong their promotion to the second-tier of Indian football for the 2023-24 season. The Reds secured the top two with seven points from their four final round matches.

The club's young squad, led by head coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet, showed great resilience and determination throughout the campaign, overcoming several challenges along the way. The journey to secure the I-League qualification was not an easy one for Shillong Lajong FC. The team had to face tough opposition in the Group stages, which included the likes of United SC, East Bengal (Reserves), and The Diamond Rock.

However, the team never lost confidence and displayed a resilient performance throughout the campaign. They finished second in Group B in the preliminary round of the I-League Second Division, winning four matches and drawing one out of their six. Lajong had made it through as the best second-placed team across the four groups after defeating East Bengal Reserves on a 5-0 scoreline. This ensured their progression into the final round.

The final round of qualification matches saw five teams competing for two spots with only the top two teams qualifying for the I-League, which is the second-highest division in Indian football. The two relegated I-League teams and the other three final phase teams will directly qualify for the I-League 2 final phase next season.

The Reds won two out of their four matches in the final round, with their only defeat coming against Ambernath United Atlanta. Shillong Lajong won their matches against the United SC and FC Bengaluru United. The highlight of Lajong's season came in their final match of the campaign when they defeated FC Bengaluru United 2-1 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong. This victory ensured that Lajong would finish in the top two of the table, regardless of the results of the last matchday.

The club's star midfielder, Hardy Nongbri, played a pivotal role in their success, scoring seven goals. Nongbri along with other key players like Figo Syndai, Everbrightson Mylliempdah, and goalkeeper Bishal Lama, played vital roles in the team's promotion-winning campaign.

The club's fans will be delighted to see Shillong Lajong back in the I-League. The Reds have a large and passionate fan base in Shillong and across Meghalaya. The fans have been through a lot in recent years, having seen their team getting relegated from the I-League in 2017 and then forced to compete in the Second Division. However, the fans have remained loyal to the club and have continued to support the team through thick and thin.

The return of Shillong Lajong FC to the I-League will provide a major boost to football lovers in the north-east region of the country, where the game has a massive following. The team's performance in the I-League Second Division has shown that they have the potential to compete with the best teams in the country. The Shillong Lajong fans will be eagerly waiting for the team to replicate the same performance in the upcoming I-League season.