Mohammedan SC vs Shillong Lajong: Preview, Predicted Lineups, Team News | IFL 2026-27
Black Panthers eye win over reigning runners up of IFL in Kalyani
The Kalyani Stadium in the City of Joy, Kolkata, is set to host the opening Matchweek fixtures of the Indian Football League(IFL), where home team Mohammedan SC will lock horns with Shillong Lajong in what promises to be a thrilling clash between two giants.
After finishing last in the Indian Super League last season, the Black Panthers were relegated to the second tier. Mohammedan have fond memories of playing in the second division. They last competed in the IFL in the 2023-24 season, when they were crowned champions of the I League.
On the other hand, Shillong Lajong were just a few points away from clinching a spot in the ISL. The runners-up of the IFL 2025-26 season will be keen to turn their silver into gold and advance one step further to finish atop the points table.
Two sides with history and legacy in Indian football are set to kick off their season in the cultural capital of India. Both sides are regarded as the favourites to win the IFL and clinch a spot in the top tier.
The Stakes
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Mohammedan SC
The Black Panthers had a winless campaign in the Indian Super League last season. With just three points in 13 games, Mohammedan were relegated well before the commencement of the final Matchweek. They will be led by a familiar face in the dugout.
Saheed Ramon, who previously led the club in 2019-20, will be keen to make the most of the home advantage and get the better of the Meghalaya outfit.
After finishing third in the Durand Cup recently, an optimistic result in the upcoming game is very crucial for the Black Panthers, who will be looking forward to getting their old golden days back.
Shillong Lajong
Talking about Shillong Lajong, they signed off the last season in dominating fashion, winning 3-0 against eventual champions Diamond Harbour. Birendra Thapa, who led an all Indian Lajong side to a historic runner-up finish, will be keen to resume things from where he left off last season.
Phrangki Buam, who was the most valuable player in IFL last season, will be a key player to watch out for Shillong alongside Everbrighton Sana.
The Meghalaya outfit has added some foreign powerhouses by acquiring the services of Brazilian players like Jota, Arthur Pangaro and Joedson Dos Santos.
Team News
Both sides have their full squad apart from any injury and they are ready for their first IFL 2026-27 season clash which mark as the opening game of this new campaign.
Head-to-head record
- Total matches: 05
- Mohammedan: 01
- Shillong Lajong: 03
- Draws: 01
Predicted Lineup
Mohammedan SC Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Nikhil Deka (GK); Samad Ali Mallick, Israfil Dewan, Lalthan Kima, Hira Mondal; Mahitosh Roy, Edison, Ramsanga; Robinson Singh, Fardin Ali Molla, Biren Chhetri
Shillong Lajong Predicted XI (4-4-2)
Ranit Sarkar (GK); Kitboklang Khyriem, Kenstar Kharshong, Arthur Pangaro, Ephraim Lalremtluanga; Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli, Phrangki Buam; Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah, Jota
Player to watchout for
Arthur Tiotonio Pangaro
The 26-year-old Brazilian defender was part of the historic Santos’ youth team, where he built his defensive foundations before going through the rigorous Brazilian football ecosystem, where he donned jerseys of clubs like Independência, Tocantinópolis EC and EC São Bernardo.
It is never easy to defend against physical forwards in Brazilian Serie D and Copa Paulista. He was also part of Shillong Lajong’s Durand Cup campaign and got a taste of Indian football.
Playing against Mohammedan in Kolkata won’t be easy, but Pangaro’s extensive experience playing across South American divisions makes him well equipped to handle pressure in such big games.
Mahitosh Roy
Mahitosh Roy, Mohammedan’s captain, has plied his trade with East Bengal FC, Rajasthan United and George Telegraph before making a move to Mohammedan SC.
Known for scoring screamers, Roy is a long-range specialist who established himself as a regular mainstay last season in the ISL for the Black Panthers.
The Kolkata-born player has a lot of experience playing in Kolkata. He will be on familiar turf when Mohammedan will kick off their IFL campaign in Naihati against Lajong.
He is also a set-piece specialist. Keep an eye on Roy, who is known for his curling corners and precise set-piece deliveries.
Telecast Details
As Khel Now revealed earlier, Mohammedan SC are ready to lock horns against Shillong Lajong on Saturday, 31st October, 2026, from 16:00 IST at the Kalyani Stadium in Naihati as both sides will aim for a win in their first game to gain momentum from the first round itself.
The match and the rest of IFL 2026-27 season will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT.
When will Mohammedan SC vs Shillong Lajong take place?
The match will take place at the Kalyani Stadium on 31st October, 2026, from 16:00 IST
When & where can I watch Mohammedan SC vs Shillong Lajong?
Mohammedan SC vs Shillong Lajong will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT.
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