New Delhi: Shillong Lajong FC has been announced as the first side to be promoted from the Hero 2nd Division League to the 2023-24 Hero I-League. On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the Meghalaya unit defeated FC Bengaluru United 2-1 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong, bringing their Final Round record to seven points from four games.
Shillong Lajong have returned to the Hero I-League after a four-year absence. They were demoted after finishing last in the standings in the 2018-19 season. Their quest in this season’s Hero 2nd Division began in February, when they defeated Downtown Heroes, Corbett, and United Chirang Duar to advance to the Group Stage. Pitted alongside United SC, East Bengal Reserves and The Diamond Rock FA, Lajong finished second in the group and qualified for the Final Round as the best runners-up across all groups.
WE ARE BACK IN THE I – LEAGUE 💪💪
SARONG ia ka LAJONG!! #qualified #ileague #shillonglajongfc #LajongFC #indianfootball #2nddivisionileague #hero2nddivleague #proudtobenortheast #footballclub pic.twitter.com/J9MUdoZNPC
— Shillong Lajong FC (@lajongfc) May 22, 2023
Shillong Lajong faced a do-or-die situation against Bengaluru United on Sunday after suffering a 1-5 hammering at the hands of Ambernath United Atlanta five days earlier. Everbrightson Mylliempdah’s magnificent curling shot gave them the lead just before halftime, but Kongbrailatpam Manjit Sharma levelled for the visitors shortly after the restart. However, eight minutes from time, Figo Syndai’s header restored Bobby Nongbet’s side’s advantage, which they held until the final whistle. Shillong Lajong’s spot in the top two and in next season’s I-League was assured with one matchday to go as a consequence of Ambernath’s 3-4 defeat against United SC in Kalyani in the concurrent kick-off.
Shillong Lajong were the torch-bearers of the northeast in the Hero I-League, becoming the first side from the region to be promoted to the then top division in 2009-10. Now, with the Reds marking their return, the next season’s Hero I-League will see as many as four sides from northeast India, including Aizawl FC, NEROCA FC and TRAU FC.
The Meghalaya club has a history of producing high-quality players, with Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Chinglensana Singh, Bipin Singh, Vishal Kaith, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Seiminlen Doungel all making their Blue Tigers debut after playing in Lajong. The current Lajong squad also features some players from the Meghalaya team, who made history earlier this year by reaching the Hero Santosh Trophy Final in Riyadh. Meghalaya’s fairytale run included Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh, and Henryford Nongneng, in addition to Sunday’s goal scorers Everbrightson Mylliempdah and Figo Syndai.
SHILLONG LAJONG v UNITED SC
The Reds are back and will be facing United SC at their home game today the 6th of May 2023.COME ON YOU REDS!! #shillonglajongfc #lajongfc #football #indianfootball #seconddivisionileague #hero2nddivleague #unitedsc #proudtobenortheast #footballclub pic.twitter.com/Zfu6QJZGCL
— Shillong Lajong FC (@lajongfc) May 6, 2023
Bengaluru United and United SC are now out of contention for the top two spots in the Hero 2nd Division League.
Delhi FC’s clash with Ambernath United Atlanta on Friday, May 26, will be decisive in determining the second team which will be promoted to the Hero I-League next season. While for Ambernath, a draw will be enough, but only a win will do for Delhi FC. Both sides are chasing their first-ever promotion to the Hero I-League.
