Shillong, Dec 16: Shillong Lajong FC lost their second game in a row in I-League 2023-24 today, as they were beaten 3-1 by Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar. This was only Lajong’s third away game and their first loss on the road as the other two matches ended in draws.
Real Kashmir, for their part, extended their unbeaten run to six games and now have 20 points from 10 outings. That puts them in third place in the table, with Lajong fifth, still with 16 points from 10 matches.
The hosts scored through Kamal Issah (5′), Gnohere Krizo (55′) and Mohammad Inam (69′), while Lajong did so via Abdou Karim Samb (16′).
SLFC had lost at home last time out against Aizawl FC, which ended their eight-game unbeaten run this season, and they weren’t able to find their mojo today either.
Renan Paulino de Souza was back after serving a mandatory one match suspension for four yellow cards but there were numerous local talents who were missing through injury, such as birthday boy Phrangki Buam, who hasn’t played any of the last five games now. Everbrightson Mylliempdah is another one out and so are Sangti Janai Shianglong, Kenstar Kharshong and Damaitphang Lyngdoh, but these three have rarely been used this year anyway.
Today coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet replaced Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait in the starting XI with Renan Paulino. Two other changes were also there – Figo Syndai and Shano Tariang came in for Laiwang Bohham and Pursunep.
Lajong will return home now in order to face 12th-placed Namdhari FC on 23rd December.
Shillong Lajong’s squad today:
Bishal Lama (GK), Ronney Kharbudon, Saveme Tariang, Kynsailang Khongsit, Daniel Goncalves, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Renan Paulino de Souza, Figo Syndai (sub Pursunep 46′), Shano Tariang (sub Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem 64′ (sub Laiwang Bohham 90’+2)), Abdou Karim Samb, Kynsaibor Lhuid
