Shillong, Jul 26: Shillong Lajong FC began their 134th Durand Cup campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Malaysia’s Armed Forces Football Team 6-0 in the opening match of Group E at the JN Stadium here today.
Everbrightson S Mylliempdah (12′, 66′) and Phrangki Buam (47′, 49′) scored a brace each, while substitutes Tremiki Lamurong (73′) and Deibormame Tongper (90′) added a goal apiece, as the young Shillong side delivered a clinical and confident performance.
Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa opted for a youthful 4-3-3 formation, with Sheen Sohktung and Phrangki leading the line alongside Everbrightson in a false nine role. Malaysian Armed Forces started with a strong XI in the same system, featuring Mohd Suhaim, Nasir Yasa and Ibramin Muhamat Moha in attack.
The match began with Lajong asserting their dominance in possession. Their early pressure paid off in the 12th minute when Everbrightson headed in a pinpoint cross from Rudra Ved, after a smart free-kick routine initiated by Sheen. The young Indian side continued to test the Malaysian defence with fluid attacking play and relentless pressing.
Malaysia’s best chance in the first half came through a volley attempt by Mohamad Syamim Yusoff, which narrowly missed the target after a cross was punched clear by SLFC goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai. However, the Lajong defence, led by skipper Kenstar Kharsong and Saveme Tariang, remained firm to protect the lead.
The second half saw the hosts accelerate further. Within the first five minutes, Phrangki Buam netted twice, first by guiding in a free-kick from Sheen in the 47th minute, and then doubling his tally with a calm finish after a clever through ball two minutes later.
The fourth goal came in the 66th minute, as Everbrightson turned sharply in the box and slotted the ball past the keeper to complete his brace. Shillong’s dominance continued when substitute Tremiki curled in a beautiful effort from the edge of the area in the 73rd minute to make it 5-0.
Just before the final whistle, Shillong added a sixth. Substitute Deibormame found the net with a composed finish after a late attacking move, rounding off a dominant outing for the side from Meghalaya.
Malaysian Armed Forces struggled to create meaningful chances throughout and Lajong maintained a high tempo until the final whistle, with more attempts from Phrangki and Tremiki denied by the Malaysian goalkeeper.
The next match in Shillong will be between Lajong and Rangdajied United at 7PM on 29th July.
(Durand Cup media photo. Everbrightson S Mylliempdah (left) celebrates his first goal)
