Durand Cup 2024: Shillong Lajong ease past Rangdajied United FC

The Reds maintained a comfortable two-goal cushion in the Durand Cup against Rangdajied.

Goals from defenders Ronney Willson and Kenstar Kharshong ensured Shillong Lajong FC prevail over Rangdajied United FC in an exciting Shillong Derby in the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. With this win, Shillong Lajong leaped to the top of the table with six points, the same as FC Goa but on goal difference, making the match between the two teams on 17th August a group decider.

Jose Hevia made just one change to the Shillong Lajong line-up with goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu starting in place of Manas Dubey while Rangdajied United Head Coach Ainbanjop Shadap named an unchanged side from the last game against FC Goa for the all-important Shillong Derby.

It was an end-to-end contest as both sides looked to attack from the start of the contest. The game was played at a fast tempo with both sides testing the goalkeepers at both ends. The tackles were fiery and the fight for midfield domination was evident, creating a perfect atmosphere for the derby.

Shillong Lajong took the lead midway through the first half. Rangdajied failed to clear a free-kick and it was recycled from the left wing by Kenstar Kharshong who found Ronney Willson free at the back post and the defender planted his header past everyone into the goal despite the best efforts of the defender to clear it off the line.

Rangdajied received a golden opportunity to level the scores, as they were awarded a penalty but an attempted lob from the spot by Treimiki Lamurong hit the crossbar and went out. Lajong created the better chances towards the end of the half as Everbrightson Sana’s effort was brilliantly cleared off by Rangdajied defender Denelson Pyngrope to keep the scores intact at the break.

Shillong Lajong started the second half on the front foot and doubled their lead within four minutes of the restart. Kenstar Kharshong leaped high to score from a powerful header from a corner kick. Lajong continued to dominate the proceedings looking dangerous while attacking, forcing the opposition into defending deep inside their box.

Set piece deliveries from Hardy Cliff Nongbri were especially dangerous with each one creating panic inside the Rangdajied box. Rangdajied were limited to defend in their own half and on the other end they could only muster some tame shots on the goal which did not trouble the Shillong Lajong keeper.

The impressive Phrangki Buam could have scored a hat-trick of his own but the forward’s attempts were either saved by the Rangdajied keeper or went agonisingly wide. The home side finished off an impressive performance without much trouble as they will look forward to the match against FC Goa which will decide who will be progressing to the quarterfinals from the group.

ISL sides, Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC will face each other in a Group C fixture at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan which will have a 4 PM kick-off. A win for Punjab FC will take them closer to a place in the knockouts, either as a group winner or one of the best second-placed sides.

The Shers have four points from two matches. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC who have fielded their reserve side for the tournament will play for pride after losing both their group stage matches against Kerala Blasters and CISF Protectors.

In the second match of the day, Chennaiyin FC and Assam Rifles FT will finish their IndianOil Durand Cup campaign when they face each other at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in a 7 PM kick-off. Both teams are out of reckoning for a place in the knockouts and will look to finish the tournament on a high. Both sides lost their earlier two matches against Jamshedpur FC and Indian Army FT.

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