Shillong, Jan 30: Shillong Lajong were unable to get a goal on the board for the second consecutive match and slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chennaiyin in Group B of the Elite League (formerly U-18 Youth League) final round in Goa today.
With two wins in two games Chennaiyin are at the top of the group with six points. Minerva Punjab, who Lajong drew their opener with, have four points now after having beaten Reliance Foundation Young Champs 3-0 earlier today.
With one point and with just one match to go, Lajong cannot mathematically make it to top spot in the group.
Lajong made several changes from the 0-0 draw with Minerva two days ago; Parvaj Bhuiya, Kynsailang Khongsit, Batskhemlang Thangkhiew and Donboklang Lyngdoh came in and Kitboklang Khyriem, Aman Ahlawat, Thongram Santosh Singh and Solomon Mangte went out.
Khyriem and Ahlawat had picked up red cards in the previous fixture and in contrast with the previous match Lajong were on their best behaviour today and didn’t receive a single card.
Vijay Thangavel scored the only goal of the game today for Chennaiyin in the 48th minute.
SLFC will play their final group match on Friday at 9AM at the same time that Chennaiyin and Minerva will clash.
Lajong: Muhammad Safique Ahmed, Freestar Kharbangar (C), Habymmutshuh Nongrum, Parvaj Bhuiya, Baiaikara Swer, Kynsailang Khongsit, Batskhemlang Thangkhiew, Naoroibam Romen Singh, Donboklang Lyngdoh (sub Dajiedlang Wanshnong 79′), Apborlang Kurbah, C Vanlalhriata (GK)
(Photo: Shillong Lajong FC)
