Shillong, Feb 20: Shillong Lajong FC assistant coach Alison Kharsyntiew was thrilled by his side’s 2-1 victory over Aizawl FC yesterday in their I-League clash here.
Speaking after the game, Kharsyntiew said, “I’m very happy. It’s been a long time since we took three points and I couldn’t ask for more from the players. They worked hard for the full 90 minutes.”
This was Lajong’s first win in five games and they played at the top of their game in attack and defence. They have one more match to go this season when they host East Bengal early next month.
“We still have to continue playing like this versus East Bengal. We have to be consistent, be humble and keep working hard,” Kharsyntiew added.
The coach also informed that Hardycliff Nongbri, who came off the pitch after just 13 minutes, has an ankle injury that looked serious.
SLFC were making barely any inroads in Aizawl’s defence in the first half with Saihou Jagne the lone man up front, but that all changed when Abdoulaye Koffi was inserted at the start of the second half.
Koffi bagged the first goal following an assist from Jagne, who then went on to score a goal of his own later on and he was named man-of-the-match.
After the match Jagne said of Koffi’s introduction, “It was easier for everyone, including me. He was helping me a lot and it was good for us.”
Meanwhile, new Aizawl coach Santosh Kashyap tried to put a positive spin on his side’s loss.
“It was a good, entertaining match. The boys played according to plan and we went all out in the second half,” Kashyap said. “It’s a very close league and there are unpredictable results taking place but I’m confident for the future games,” he added.
Aizawl will be up next at home against Indian Arrows on 23rd February.
