Shillong Lajong FC fights back to reach Durand Cup semifinals

Shillong Lajong FC came from behind to defeat Indian Navy FT 2-1 in the first quarterfinal of the Durand Cup, securing their second consecutive semifinal appearance with goals from Lyngdoh and Sana

Hyderabad: Shillong Lajong FC came from behind to overcome Indian Navy FT 2-1 in the first quarterfinal of the IndianOil Durand Cup, played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Saturday, securing their second consecutive semi-final appearance.

Second-half goals from Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah gave the home side the victory after Vijay Marandi had given Indian Navy the lead in the first half.

---

The first half saw very few chances being created until the 35th minute, when the game came to life. In a chaotic two-minute sequence, 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 on the goal line.

The goal came before both goalkeepers made terrific saves at each end. Siwel Rymbai showed his reflexes to palm away a glancing header from Sreyas V.G., and at the other end, Bhaskar Roy dived full stretch to his right to deny Gladdy Kharbuli.

The second half saw Shillong Lajong pushing for an equalizer, but they were thwarted by a disciplined Navy defense and some poor decisions in the final third. The home side eventually found the equalizer after constant pressure in the 69th minute, with a lucky break. Damaitphang Lyngdoh’s intended cross from the left wing curled into the goal after hitting the far post and looping into the net.

Shillong Lajong took the lead in the 79th minute after Everbrightson Sana won and converted a penalty. The striker received the ball at the edge of the box, and with a smart turn, he foxed Novin Gurung, who brought him down inside the box. The 20-year-old stepped up to convert the penalty calmly past Bhaskar Roy, who guessed correctly but could not reach the shot, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Shillong Lajong absorbed the pressure from Indian Navy and defended resiliently to ensure their third Durand Cup semi-final appearance.

The result:
Shillong Lajong FC 2 (Damait 69’, Sana 79’ Penalty) bt Indian Navy FT 1 (Vijay Marandi 38’)