In a tightly contested match at the SSA Stadium in Shillong, Shillong Lajong FC faced Dempo SC, resulting in a goalless draw during the Indian Football League 2025-26 Championship Phase on Sunday. This outcome keeps Shillong in second place with 18 points, trailing leaders Diamond Harbour FC by seven points, while Dempo remains in sixth with 10 points.

Shillong maintained the same starting lineup as their previous match, whereas Dempo made two adjustments, bringing in Sebastian Gutierrez Atehortua and Vieri Colaco to replace Ariston Costa and Richmond Kwasi Owusu.

From the outset, Shillong exerted pressure on Dempo, creating an early chance within the first minute when Phrangki Buam attempted to connect with a long ball into the box, but the defense managed to clear it. The home team maintained a high tempo, putting Dempo's defense under strain before the visitors slowed the game down to regain composure.

Both teams focused on utilizing the flanks, with Buam and Ephraim Lalremtluanga stretching the play for Shillong, while Saiesh Bagkar and Kapil Hoble aimed to support Gutierrez and Marcus Leric Jr Joseph centrally. Shillong's effective possession play, bolstered by enthusiastic home support, allowed them to control the game early on. In the eighth minute, Lamlallian found space in the attacking third but was blocked by Aubin Kouakou.

Dempo struggled to build from the back due to Shillong's high pressing, leading to several turnovers. Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah tested Ashish Sibi with a long-range shot that was comfortably saved. Shillong also effectively limited Nestor Dias' influence in midfield, preventing him from connecting with the forwards. Although Hoble attempted to release Joseph with early wide passes, Shillong's solid defensive structure thwarted these efforts.

The best chance of the first half came in the 34th minute when Kouakou lost possession, allowing Sana to break through, but Jose Luis Moreno Pena executed a timely sliding tackle to avert the danger. Shillong continued to threaten, with Damaitphang Lyngdoh delivering a low cross in the 38th minute that went unconverted. The closest opportunity came in the 43rd minute when Buam's shot was parried by Sibi, and Lyngdoh's follow-up hit the woodwork.

After halftime, Shillong resumed their attacking efforts. Lyngdoh attempted a long-range shot in the 47th minute, which went wide. Dempo responded with a quality moment in the 58th minute when Gutierrez executed a first-time volley from a tight angle, forcing Ranit Sarkar into a crucial save. Despite limited offensive output, Dempo's central defenders Kouakou and Moreno remained composed, with Moreno delivering another solid performance.

Dempo came close again in the 67th minute from a set-piece. A delivery into the box found Moreno, who set up Kouakou for a close-range volley that was well saved by Sarkar. The rebound fell to Joseph, but he shot over the bar.

Shillong continued to seek a breakthrough, and in the 81st minute, Buam sent a precise low ball into the box. Sana was poised to shoot, but Kouakou intervened to clear the danger. The hosts nearly clinched a late winner in stoppage time when substitute Abelson Jachi forced a spill from Sibi, and Kenstar Kharshong's follow-up hit the crossbar.

Despite dominating the match with 20 shots, including five on target, Shillong's inability to convert chances into goals proved crucial against a disciplined Dempo defense.