Sana’s spirit shines through Lajong’s Durand Cup campaign

At just 23, Shillong Lajong forward Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah, has left a strong impression in this year’s Durand Cup, showcasing not just his knack for goals but also his energy and intent in big games. A product of Meghalaya’s rich football culture, Sana’s performances have carried the spark of a youngster ready to make his mark on bigger stages.

The striker was among Lajong’s most consistent attacking outlets throughout the tournament. He found the net twice against Malaysia Armed Forces, followed it up with a goal against Rangdajied FC, and struck once more against Indian Navy FT in the quarterfinals.

Each of those goals highlighted a different side of his game: sharp positioning, confidence in front of goal, and the composure to deliver when the team needed him.

“Every goal gave me more confidence, but for me the most important thing was helping the team,” Sana said.

The Durand Cup, one of Asia’s oldest football competitions, has long been a breeding ground for emerging talent. Over the decades, it has served as a scouting platform where promising footballers have been spotted in their formative years before breaking into the bigger stage of Indian football. Will Sana add to the illustrious list of first-spotted-at-Durand stars?. His sharp movement, hunger for goals, and ability to trouble defences have ensured that his name will not go unnoticed.

“This tournament is special because it gives young players like me the chance to test ourselves and show what we can do,” he reflected.

Perhaps his most telling performance came not in the group stage but in the high-pressure semi-final against Indian Super League side NorthEast United FC. Despite Shillong Lajong falling short of the final, Sana’s display stood out, he was lively upfront, constantly pressing, exploiting spaces, and unsettling the Highlanders’ defence with his work rate. It was a performance that showed he belongs in contests of the highest intensity.

Though Lajong fell short of making the final, Sana believes there are far more positives than regrets to take away. “Of course, we all dreamed of going further, but I believe sometimes God’s plans are different from ours, but they are always greater. This tournament leaves us with a lot of lessons and a lot of hope for what’s ahead,” he said.

For Shillong Lajong, a club with a proud tradition of nurturing homegrown talent, Sana’s emergence feels like a continuation of their legacy. His goals in the tournament underline his attacking instinct, but more importantly, his fearless attitude against stronger, more experienced opposition has reflected the promise he carries.

Everbrightson Sana still has a long way to go, but his Durand Cup campaign has offered a glimpse into what the future might hold. Whether he continues to shine in Lajong’s red or steps onto a bigger stage, he has shown the qualities of a striker who could carry the hopes of Indian football forward, a reminder of why the Durand Cup remains so vital to Indian football’s talent pipeline.