Shillong, Mar 16: A goal deep into stoppage time saved the day for Shillong Lajong FC in I-League 2023-24 as they managed to walk away with a point in a 1-1 draw against Namdhari FC in Ludhiana today.
Coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet made just a solitary change to his starting line-up from the draw with Real Kashmir three days ago, bringing on Kynsaibor Lhuid in place of Hardy Cliff Nongbri. That match had also ended 1-1, with Renan Paulino de Souza responsible that time for the stoppage time equaliser.
Today it was the turn of Laiwang Bohham (90’+7) to be the hero after Harpreet Singh (38′) had given the home side the lead in the first half.
Namdhari are just out of the relegation zone with 20 points from 21 matches. Lajong, on the other hand, have 31 from 20 and are in sixth place.
SLFC will next travel to Kalyani, West Bengal, to meet Inter Kashi on 22nd March at 7PM. Lajong now trail Inter Kashi by 2 points with both sides have played 20 matches each. A win next week will thus likely decide which team finishes in the Top 5.
Shillong Lajong’s line-up today:
Rajat Paul Lyngdoh (GK), Ronney Kharbudon, Kynsailang Khongsit, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong, Damaitphang Lyngdoh (sub Hardy Cliff Nongbri 46′), Phrangki Buam, Arik Bista (sub Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem 75′), Renan Paulino de Souza, Marcos Genar Silva (sub Laiwang Bohham 78′), Kynsaibor Lhuid (sub Figo Syndai 75′)
(Representative photo)
