Shillong, Feb 16: Shillong Lajong FC and Downtown Heroes FC played out a 1-1 draw in their last match of the Second Division Qualifiers in Kokrajhar today.
Both teams had already booked their places in the main round of the Second Division by winning their opening two fixtures, so this match had little significance.
Coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet made four changes to the starting line-up. Iohborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi, Hamedamanbha Wahlang, Saveme Tariang and Wadajied Ryngkhlem came in, while Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Atlanson Kharmaw, Sangti Janai Shianglong and Pynche Tyngkan sat on the bench.
A familiar face in the Jammu & Kashmir team was former Lajong player Parvaj Bhuiya.
Zahid Yousif put Downtown Heroes in front in only the 12th minute but Sambor Kharsahnoh equalised in the 51st. He was subsequently named Player of the Match.
SLFC and Downtown Heroes will join 17 other teams that have been seeded directly in the Second Division, which will be played on a home-and-away format from March.
The 19 clubs will be divided into four groups with the aim of qualifying for the I-League.
Today’s Lajong squad: Bishal Lama, Dawanplielad Myrchiang (sub Atlanson Kharmaw 40’), Sambor Kharsahnoh, Saveme Tariang, Abhay Chhetri, Iohborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi (sub Sangti Janai Shianglong 83’), Pursunep, Hamedamanbha Wahlang, Shano Tariang (sub Ioanis Suchen 90’+3), Wadajied Ryngkhlem, Amon Lepcha (sub Babysunday Marngar 40’)
