Shillong, Aug 24: Defending champions Langsning defeated Ryntih 1-0 in their Shillong Premier League match at the JN Stadium here today.
A cracking shot from Banteilang Shylla in the 85th minute was the only goal of the game.
This was Langsning’s first match of the season and Ryntih’s second.
It was a game of contrasting halves for Langsning, who were continually under pressure in the first 45 minutes and it was a bit of luck and excellent goalkeeping by Frolicson Dkhar that ensured that they didn’t concede. Stripped of several key players in defence and midfield (who mostly all headed to Ryntih in the local transfer window), Langsning looked like they hadn’t found the right replacements. They also didn’t even manage to take a single shot in the first half, whereas Ryntih had several chances, with Milancy Khongstia and Reson Malngiang missing out early on.
Ryntih fans, and there were plenty of them at the ground, would have hoped to have made inroads in the second half, but their team was confronted by a very different Langsning, who probably got a good speaking to by coach Hering Shangpliang during the break.
The second half saw a resurgent Langsning, with Kitboklang Pale and Kynsaibor Lhuid looking quick and dangerous. Donborlang Nongkynrih was also excellent in defence, keeping Ryntih’s Sheen Sohktung well-marked, while Shylla threw himself into the action when he was brought on as a substitute.
The only goal came about after a fantastic feint by Lhuid in the midfield, allowing him to sprint up the pitch. The ball then fell to Shylla, who smashed home a long-range shot, and his team held out for the remaining minutes for what should be a supremely satisfying victory.
On Tuesday Laban are scheduled to face Rangdajied United at 3:30PM.
(TSR photo. Langsning are in red, Ryntih in white/black)
