Shillong Lajong FC will host Dempo SC in a crucial Championship phase match of the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025–26 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Sunday, with kick-off at 18:30 IST.
The Championship phase involves the top six teams competing in a round-robin format, playing five matches each to determine the ultimate champion. In their 13 encounters in the Indian Football League, Dempo SC has won seven times against Shillong Lajong’s four victories, with two draws, and Dempo has scored 24 goals compared to Shillong’s 13.
Reflecting on their previous defeat to Dempo, Shillong Lajong’s head coach emphasized the team’s defensive improvements and lessons learned. Meanwhile, Dempo SC, starting at the bottom of the table, faces a tough challenge against Shillong, with their coach acknowledging the difficulties of playing away from home in the Northeast states.
Shillong Lajong enters the Championship phase in third place with 17 points, aiming to secure a title challenge with at least four wins from their remaining fixtures. Dempo SC, on the other hand, sits in sixth place with nine points, facing a narrow pathway to the title but remaining focused on one game at a time.
