Shillong, Mar 13: Shillong Lajong FC created a big dent in Real Kashmir FC’s I-League 2023-24 title chase as they found a last-gasp equaliser to hold their opponents 1-1 at First Ground, Polo, here tonight.
For Real Kashmir, Adnan Ayub scored the opening goal of the match in the 11th minute, before Renan Paulino de Souza (90’+8) netted the leveller in the added minutes of the match.
Coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet made just one change from the victory against Aizawl FC. In came the last match’s hero Damaitphang Lyngdoh for Shano Tariang.
SLFC had lost 3-1 to Real Kashmir in Srinagar on 6th December in the reverse fixture.
The draw hurt Real Kashmir as they remain in third spot in the standings. They have 37 points from 19 matches with 10 wins, five draws and four defeats.
Lajong, on the other hand, have 30 points from 19 games. They occupy sixth place with eight wins, six draws and five defeats and are all but out of the title contention.
Real Kashmir tried to impose themselves on the match right from the outset. They used the flanks to create their first attack when Jeremy Laldinpuia sent in a looping cross into the box from the right. Muhammad Hammad connected the ball with his head but his attempt went straight into the gloves of Lajong goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh.
However, Lyngdoh was at fault when he conceded the first goal of the match in the 11th minute. Laldinpuia was once again involved in the build-up of the attack as he played a good pass for Wayne Vaz from the left flank. Vaz made a dashing run before pulling one back for an unmarked Ayub inside the box and the midfielder pulled the trigger immediately. However, the ball was headed straight towards Lyngdoh and the goalkeeper should have collected it easily. But he couldn’t judge the speed and the ball went past the goal line after slipping away from the custodian.
Much like the first half, Real Kashmir started the second half on a rousing note. In a swift move in the 46th minute, Gnohere Krizo headed a ball down for Henry Kisekka inside the box. The Ugandan forward unleashed a powerful shot but Lyngdoh proved equal to the task as he made a diving save.
Lajong kept trying to find the equaliser and their dogged persistence paid off. A long ball from Daniel Goncalves found Kynsailang Khongsit inside the box. The midfielder laid it off for Paulinho with a deft touch and the Brazilian showed a calm and composed demeanour to score off his right foot, much to the delight of a raucous home crowd.
Lajong will be back on the road now as they travel to Ludhiana in Punjab to take on Namdhari on 16th March at 3:30PM.
Shillong Lajong’s line-up today:
Rajat Paul Lyngdoh (GK), Ronney Kharbudon, Kynsailang Khongsit, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong, Damaitphang Lyngdoh (sub Shano Tariang 90′), Hardy Cliff Nongbri (sub Kynsaibor Lhuid 61′), Phrangki Buam, Arik Bista, Renan Paulino de Souza, Marcos Genar Silva
(Photo: Shillong Lajong FC)
