Shillong, Aug 16: Shillong Lajong came from behind to overcome Indian Navy 2-1 in the first quarterfinal of the Durand Cup 2025 at the JN Stadium to secure their second consecutive semifinal appearance here today.
Second half goals from Damaitphang Lyngdoh (69’) and Everbrightson Mylliempdah (79’P) gave the home side victory after Vijay Marandi (38’) had given Indian Navy the lead in the first half.
Lajong started in a 4-3-3 formation with coach Birendra Thapa opting for his trusted frontline of Phrangki Buam, Everbrightson and Sheen Sohktung with Damaitphang, Tremiki Lamurong and Gladdy Kharbuli in the midfield. The defence was handled by Rudra Ved and Kenstar Kharshong in the middle and Kitboklang Khyriem and Saveme Tariang as wing backs with Siwel Rymbai guarding the goal.
Indian Navy coach Raman Rai fielded his team in a traditional 4-4-2 formation with captain Bhaskar Roy guarding the goal and Sreyas VG and Vijay Marandi spearheading the attack. Pintu Mahata and Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha started in the middle with J Vijay and Roshan Panna attacking through the wings. The defence was led by the experienced Adersh Mattummal, Brijesh Giri, former Lajong player Novin Gurung and Maibam Deny Singh.
The first half saw very few chances being created until the 35th minute mark when the game came into life and at the end of a chaotic sequence of two minutes, Indian Navy took the lead. A long goal kick from Bhaskar Roy was brought down by Roshan Panna and squared to Vijay Marandi inside the box. The forward showed composure to round the goalkeeper and three defenders and his left footed shot deflected off the retrieving goalkeeper and found the net past the two defenders who were on the goal line.
The goal came before both goalkeepers made terrific saves and each end, with Siwel showing his reflex to palm away a glancing header from Sreyas and at the other end Bhaskar dived full stretch to his right to deny Gladdy.
The second half saw SLFC forcing attacks to find the equaliser but were thwarted by a disciplined Navy defence and their own decisions in the final third.
Everbrightson came the closest to score with his header hitting the crossbar and going out. Sheen also failed to find the target after Rudra found the winger free inside the box but he couldn’t keep his header down. The Navy men were content to play in the counter attack and looked more in control of the game.
The home side eventually found the equaliser after constant pressure in the 69th minute with a lucky break. Damaitphang’s intended cross from the left wing curled into the goal after the ball looped into the net after hitting the far post.
The Reds took the lead in the 79th minute after the young Everbrightson won and converted a penalty. The striker received the ball at the edge of the box and with a smart turn foxed Novin who brought him down inside the box. The 20-year-old stepped up to convert the penalty calmly past Bhaskar who guessed correctly but was beyond his reach, sending the home crowd into frenzy.
Lajong absorbed the pressure from Indian Navy and defended resiliently to ensure that they reach their third Durand Cup semifinal appearance. Shillong will host the semi on 19th August at 7PM.
(TSR photo)