Mohammedan SC to host Shillong Lajong in IFL 2026-27 opener at Kalyani Stadium on Oct 31
Mohammedan SC will host Shillong Lajong at the Kalyani Stadium in the City of Joy, Kolkata, on Saturday, 31st October, 2026, in the opening Matchweek of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27.
Mohammedan arrive in the second tier after a winless Indian Super League campaign that produced three points from 13 games and confirmed their relegation before the final Matchweek. The club last competed in the IFL in the 2023-24 season when they were crowned I League champions, and Saheed Ramon — who previously managed the team in 2019-20 — is back in charge. Mohammedan also finished third in the recent Durand Cup.
Shillong Lajong enter the fixture as the IFL 2025-26 runners-up, having finished the last season narrowly short of an ISL spot and ending their campaign with a 3-0 win over Diamond Harbour. Birendra Thapa led an all-Indian Lajong side to that runner-up finish, and Phrangki Buam was named the most valuable player in the IFL last season. Everbrighton Sana is another attacking option highlighted by the club.
The Meghalaya side has supplemented its squad with Brazilian signings Jota, Arthur Pangaro and Joedson Dos Santos. Arthur Pangaro is described as a 26-year-old Brazilian defender who came through Santos’ youth system and later played for Independência, Tocantinópolis EC and EC São Bernardo; he featured in Shillong Lajong’s Durand Cup campaign and has experience in Brazilian Serie D and Copa Paulista. The report notes Pangaro’s South American experience as preparation for facing a side like Mohammedan in Kolkata.
Mohammedan’s captain Mahitosh Roy is listed among the players to watch; the player has previously represented East Bengal FC, Rajasthan United and George Telegraph and is characterised in the report as a long-range and set-piece specialist who established himself as a regular in Mohammedan’s ISL campaign last season. The piece also notes Roy is Kolkata-born and will be on familiar turf for the Naihati fixture.
Predicted lineups are provided: Mohammedan SC (4-3-3) 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 (4-4-2) Ranit Sarkar (GK); Kitboklang Khyriem, Kenstar Kharshong, Arthur Pangaro, Ephraim Lalremtluanga; Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli, Phrangki Buam; Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah, Jota. The article states both sides have their full squads apart from any injury and are ready for the season opener.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 IST on 31st October, 2026 at the Kalyani Stadium, with live television coverage on DD Sports and live streaming available on Waves OTT.
