Shillong, Jan 26: Powered by Peter Haokip’s (49′, 84′) brace, Namdhari FC’s formidable form continued as they thrashed Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in a high-scoring I-League 2024-25 encounter at Namdhari Stadium in Punjab yesterday.
Brazilian duo Vicente De Paula Mercedes (22′) and Cledson Carvalho Dasilva (27′) and Bhupinder Singh (62′) were the other scorers as the hosts registered their fourth consecutive victory and extended their unbeaten streak to seven games. Douglas Tardin (8′) and Figo Syndai (74′) were the marksmen for the losers.
As a result, Namdhari FC ascended to the top of the league standings with 20 points from 10 games. With Rajasthan United FC later defeating Churchill Brothers, Lajong dropped to sixth spot in the table with 13 points from 10 matches.
SLFC made just one change to the starting line-up from the 5-5 draw at Sreenidi Deccan FC a week ago, swapping out Aman Ahlawat for Ronney Kharbudon.
The match began with Shillong Lajong taking an early lead. Just eight minutes into the game, Lajong’s captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri embarked on a swift run down the right flank, breezing past a defender to cut back a pass to Douglas. Positioned perfectly, the Brazilian showed remarkable calm as he carefully placed the ball into the net. The strike also helped Douglas, the league’s top-scorer, take his tally to 10 for the season.
However, Lajong’s lead served as a catalyst for Namdhari, stirring them into action. The response was swift and decisive, leading to a penalty in the 22nd minute after Ronney’s foul on Cledson. Vicente confidently converted the penalty, sending the ball past Lajong goalkeeper Manas Dubey, who had guessed the right direction but couldn’t prevent the goal.
Sparked by the equaliser, Namdhari intensified their attacks. Manas was called into action several times, notably making a double save from Cledson. Despite his efforts, Namdhari took the lead in the 26th minute through Cledson, who connected with Bhupinder’s precise cross from the right, marking his sixth goal of the tournament.
The momentum remained with Namdhari in the second half as they quickly extended their lead in the 48th minute. A howler by Manas allowed Peter to capitalise on a cross from Manvir Singh. Peter’s shot should have been saved by Manas but the goalkeeper made a mess of it as the ball rolled awkwardly into the net.
The hosts further cemented their lead in the 62nd minute through Bhupinder, who exquisitely controlled a cross and lobbed the ball over the advancing Manas.
Lajong managed to reduce the deficit in the 74th minute when a cross from Kynsailang Khongsit created confusion in the Namdhari box, allowing Figo to find the net amidst the chaos. However, Namdhari’s offensive prowess shone again in the 84th minute. Jaskaranpreet Singh, bypassing Lajong’s defence with ease, opted to assist rather than shoot and set up Peter for a simple finish to seal a commanding 5-2 victory.
SLFC will remain on the road for their next encounter, which will be against 10th-placed Aizawl FC on 30th January.
Shillong Lajong squad today:
Manas Dubey (GK), Ronney Kharbudon, Kynsailang Khongsit, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong, Renan Paulino De Souza, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Phrangki Buam, Douglas Tardin, Sheen Sohktung
(Photo: I-League Media)