Mohammedan SC to host Shillong Lajong in IFL 2026-27 opener at Kalyani Stadium
Mohammedan SC will meet Shillong Lajong at the Kalyani Stadium in the City of Joy, Kolkata, on Saturday, 31 October 2026, in the opening Matchweek of the Indian Football League (IFL), with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 IST. The fixture will serve as the opening game of the IFL 2026-27 season.
Mohammedan arrive having been relegated from the Indian Super League after finishing last, collecting three points from 13 games, and they return to the second tier after last competing in the IFL in 2023-24 when they were crowned I League champions. Saheed Ramon, who previously managed the club in 2019-20, is back in charge for the Black Panthers. Mohammedan also finished third in the recent Durand Cup, a result the club will look to build on ahead of the league opener.
Shillong Lajong come into the match as the runners-up in the IFL 2025-26 season and finished the previous campaign with a 3-0 victory over eventual champions Diamond Harbour. Birendra Thapa, who managed an all-Indian Lajong side to that runner-up finish, remains at the helm. Phrangki Buam, named the IFL's most valuable player last season, and Everbrighton Sana are listed among the players to watch for the Meghalaya outfit.
The Shillong squad has also been bolstered by foreign signings, with Brazilian players Jota, Arthur Pangaro and Joedson Dos Santos added to the roster. The article states that both sides have their full squads apart from any injury and are ready for their first match of the IFL 2026-27 season. Mohammedan and Shillong enter the contest widely regarded as favourites to win the IFL and secure promotion contention.
Predicted lineups published ahead of the match list Mohammedan SC in a 4-3-3 as: 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 are shown in a 4-4-2 as: Ranit Sarkar (GK); Kitboklang Khyriem, Kenstar Kharshong, Arthur Pangaro, Ephraim Lalremtluanga; Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbu.
As Khel Now revealed earlier, the match will kick off on Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 16:00 IST at the Kalyani Stadium in Naihati. The fixture and the rest of the IFL 2026-27 season will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves OTT. For ongoing coverage, Khel Now lists its social channels and mobile apps as sources for updates.
The opening fixture officially starts the IFL 2026-27 campaign, and both Mohammedan SC and Shillong Lajong will be seeking a win in their first game to gain momentum from the first round itself.