Shillong, Mar 22: Inter Kashi clinched their third consecutive victory in the I-League 2023-24 with a 2-1 win over Shillong Lajong in Kalyani, West Bengal, tonight.
Inter Kashi’s goals came in the first half, with Spanish striker Mario Barco finding the net in the 32nd minute and defender Tejas adding another at the stroke of halftime. Shillong managed to pull one back in the second half, courtesy of their Brazilian skipper Renan Paulino’s goal from a spot kick in the 55th minute.
Lajong had previously lost to Inter Kashi 1-0 at home on 3rd February.
Coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet made two changes to the side that drew with Namdhari six days ago, bringing in Saveme Tariang and Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem in place of Kynsailang Khongsit and Damaitphang Lyngdoh.
In the dying moments of the match, Shillong found themselves reduced to 10 men as Ronney Kharbudon was shown a red card in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Following this victory, Inter Kashi have further improved their position in the I-League table and now have 39 points from 22 matches. Sreenidi Deccan FC also have 39 points, but they have played 19 matches so far. Currently, only leaders Mohammedan Sporting have more points (47) than Sreenidi Deccan and Inter Kashi, who remained unbeaten in nine consecutive matches. During this phase, they have won six matches and drawn three to log 21 points.
Lajong, on the other hand, remained in sixth place with 31 points from 21 matches.
SLFC will stay on the road as they play Delhi FC on 28th March.
Shillong Lajong’s line-up today:
Rajat Paul Lyngdoh (GK), Ronney Kharbudon, Saveme Tariang (sub Kynsailang Khongsit 46′), Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong, Phrangki Buam (sub Pursunep 80′), Arik Bista (sub Damaitphang Lyngdoh 46′), Renan Paulino de Souza, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem, Kynsaibor Lhuid, Marcos Genar Silva (sub Laiwang Bohham 46′)
(Photo contributed)
