Shillong, Mar 24: Shillong Lajong FC went down in a 2-1 defeat to Inter Kashi in Kalyani, West Bengal, this evening in the 20th round of the I-League 2024-25.
Nikola Stojanovic (32′) and Mario Barco (39′) gave the hosts a two-goal cushion in the space of a few minutes in the first half but Lajong went down fighting after Batskhemlang Thangkhiew (77′) pulled one back in the second 45 minutes. This was Batskem’s (pictured right) first goal in the I-League.
The reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw back in December.
Although it was another disappointing result today, bad results for teams lower down the order, namely SC Bengaluru, Aizawl FC and Delhi FC, mean that Lajong are safe from relegation for this season.
Lajong coach Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia made a whopping six changes to the starting line-up today, bringing on Kitboklang Khyriem, Kenstar Kharshong, Batskhemlang Thangkhiew, Renan Paulino De Souza, Gladdy Kharbuli and Sheen Sohktung in place of Kynsailang Khongsit, Saveme Tariang, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Tremiki Lamurong and Everbrightson Mylliempdah.
This was Lajong’s fourth defeat in five games as they have struggled towards the tail-end of the season. SLFC are in eighth place, behind Namdhari FC on goal difference head-to-head.
After six consecutive away games, Lajong will return home to face relegation-threatened Aizawl on 29th March in the penultimate round of the season.
Shillong Lajong squad today:
Ranit Sarkar (GK), Ronney Kharbudon, Kitboklang Khyriem, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong, Batskhemlang Thangkhiew, Renan Paulino De Souza (sub Tremiki Lamurong HT), Phrangki Buam, Gladdy Kharbuli, Douglas Tardin, Sheen Sohktung
(Photo: I-League Media)