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With Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli: Shillong Lajong FC will face Chanmari FC in a Championship Phase fixture of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday. Both sides have endured a tepid start to this phase and will be eager to return to winning ways. While Chanmari fell 0-2 to leaders Diamond Harbour FC in their previous outing, Shillong Lajong were held to a goalless draw by Dempo SC.

The stakes are considerably higher for Shillong Lajong in the context of the title race. The Red Dragons sit second in the standings with 18 points, and a victory is imperative if they are to remain within touching distance of the summit. With Diamond Harbour holding a seven-point cushion and only four matches remaining, Shillong’s margin for error is minimal.

Chanmari, by contrast, are effectively out of title contention and will be playing for pride and the highest possible finish. They occupy fifth place with 11 points and cannot improve their position even with a win, given the six-point gap to Rajasthan United FC in fourth.