Shillong, Apr 13: Langsning FC and Mohammedan Sporting shared points once again as their Group C Second Division League match ended 1-1 at the JN Stadium here today.
Stephanson Pale scored his third goal for Langsning in three games in the 30th minute with a tap-in from close range, while Echezona Anyichie equalised for Mohammedan in the 53rd minute with a header off a corner.
The action began right away when, in the first minute, Kitboklang Pale crossed the ball from deep on the left flank, but neither Ryoga Katsurashima nor Stephanson could get to the ball.
Japanese forward Katsurashima was making his first appearance for Langsning, while Sameer Pradhan was also brought in for defensive duties.
The two sides were very well versed with each other’s game as they had played a 0-0 draw in Kolkata on 4th April in the reverse fixture. Possession swung both ways right through the game as both teams found it difficult to keep hold of the ball and were poor in executing their passes.
Katsurashima would soon miss his first chance of the game as his shot on the run in the seventh minute was wide of the post, but it was Ebormi Buam who arguably had two of the best chances of the first half, first seeing his shot blocked by Mohammedan goalkeeper Subham Roy in the 22nd minute. Roy would then frustrate Buam again in first half stoppage time with another save.
The hosts got the breakthrough goal on the half hour mark with a cross from Dibinroy Nongspung from the right saw Stephanson tap the ball in from inside the six-yard box as the Kolkatans’ defence suffered a massive lapse in concentration.
Mohammedan had a few look-ins, with the imposing Fikru Teferra the obvious danger man. However, it proved to be another giant of a player, Anyichie who bagged the equaliser, as he used his massive height advantage to climb above his marker and head in a deep corner kick.
The visitors failed to gain any real momentum from that goal, however, and play continued on as usual. Kento Sakurai, Langsning’s other foreigner, would go on to miss a sitter right in front of goal with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, blasting the ball way over the bar.
Mohammedan had a couple of hairy moments in second half stoppage time, not least a double corner, in the second of which Langsning almost found a way through but for some quick reaction defending.
The sharing of points keeps Langsning in front of Mohammedan, leading 9 points to 8, though the latter have a game in hand.
Both clubs will next be in action on 21st April. Langsning travel away to Chennaiyin FC reserves, while Mohammedan will be at Jamshedpur FC reserves.
(Photo contributed by Langsning FC)
