Shillong, Mar 3: Shillong Lajong FC came from a goal down to win an absolutely see-saw I-League 2024-25 match against Gokulam Kerala FC 4-3 in Kozhikode tonight.
Thabiso Brown (9′) had the Malabarians out in front but Phrangki Buam (14′) equalised soon after. The two players bagged the next couple of goals as well, with Phrangki (50′) netting first to give the visitors the lead only for Thabiso (54′) to equalise for Gokulam four minutes later.
The tense match continued with Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva (85′) giving Lajong the lead for a second time but, once again, it didn’t last long, as Mashoor Shereef Thangalakath (88′) pulled the hosts level again.
It looked like no one was fated to win between these two sides this season – their first leg meeting in Shillong had ended in a goalless draw – but Renan Paulino De Souza (90’+7) netted the winner for SLFC deep in stoppage time.
For this match, Lajong coach Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia made four changes to the starting lineup from the loss at SC Bengaluru, bringing in Kenstar Kharshong, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem and Tremiki Lamurong in place of Saveme Tariang, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Gladdy Kharbuli and Sheen Sohktung.
Lajong will next travel back to Goa to face Churchill Brothers, who they will meet on 7th March.
Shillong Lajong squad today:
Ranit Sarkar (GK), Ronney Kharbudon, Kynsailang Khongsit, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong, Renan Paulino De Souza, Damaitphang Lyngdoh (sub Gladdy Kharbuli 60′), Phrangki Buam, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem (sub Everbrightson Mylliempdah 71′), Tremiki Lamurong (sub Batskhemlang Thangkhiew 89′), Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva (sub Saveme Tariang 89′)
(Photo: I-League Media)
