Shillong, Feb 8: Shillong Lajong FC mounted a comeback to remember as they overhauled a two-goal deficit to win 5-2 against NorthEast United FC in Group C of the All India Football Federation’s U-17 Youth League at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Lajong had won just one out of five matches prior to today and it didn’t start well for them once again as Edward Lalzawmlien gave NEUFC a 2-0 lead with goals in the 20th and 38th minutes.
It took nearly 15 minutes into the second half for the Reds to get on the scoreboard, which came through an own goal by Sarjik Alam (57′).
The equaliser followed soon after via eventual Player of the Match Banlamkupar Rynjah (65′) and the lead was taken through Yohaan Benjamin (75′) ten minutes later.
A testy period followed where NEUFC were shown three yellow cards in the space of four minutes and their mood only worsened when Mebankitlang Mawlong added Lajong’s fourth goal in the 81st minute, with the final nail in the coffin provided by Banlamkupar in the 88th.
Victory means that Lajong move up to third position and NorthEast United drop to fourth. They have 8 and 5 points respectively now, though the latter have a game in hand. In the first leg, Lajong and NEUFC had drawn 2-2 in Guwahati last month.
SLFC will next play Harisinga Town Club on 12th February at First Ground from 2PM. Lajong had lost the reverse fixture 1-0.
(Shillong Lajong FC photo)
