I-League: Late penalty helps Aizawl FC hold Shillong Lajong in eight-goal thriller

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 30, 2025

The Northeast derby more than delivered on Saturday as Shillong Lajong FC and Aizawl FC played out a pulsating 4–4 draw in their I-League 2024–25 clash at the SSA Stadium.

Lajong led 2–1 at half-time in a game that had everything—goals, drama, and heartbreak. Douglas Tardin netted a brace (30’, 65’) to take his tally to 13 for the season, while Phrangki Buam (90+2’) and an own goal by Luis Rodríguez (42’) accounted for the rest of Lajong’s strikes. But Aizawl, battling relegation, refused to bow down.

Malsawmzuala Tlangte (35’) gave Aizawl early hope, and they struck back again through Samuel Lalmuanpuia (55’) and Lalhriatpuia (78’). Just when it looked like Lajong had sealed the win in stoppage time, Lalrinzuala (90+4’) converted a penalty to snatch a dramatic point.

The result sees Aizawl move to 10th with 20 points from 21 matches—level with SC Bengaluru but ahead on head-to-head. Their fate now depends on Bengaluru’s results against Namdhari FC (Mar 30) and Sreenidi Deccan (Apr 5). Aizawl face Namdhari in their final game.

Lajong, meanwhile, climb to 7th with 27 points, edging ahead of Sreenidi Deccan on head-to-head. Though they’ll rue not sealing the win, the hosts were part of one of the season’s most thrilling encounters.

The match was a rollercoaster. Lajong started brightly, with Buam delivering a sublime assist for Tardin’s opener. Aizawl hit back through Tlangte after a clever setup by Lalbiakdika. Just before the break, Sohktung’s free-kick forced a Rodríguez own goal to restore Lajong’s lead.

The second half kept the fans on edge. Lalmuanpuia curled in a stunning free-kick to make it 2–2. Tardin’s second put Lajong back ahead before Lalhriatpuia headed Aizawl level yet again.

Buam thought he’d won it with a stoppage-time strike after Sohktung’s dazzling run, but a goalkeeping error led to a penalty at the other end. Lalrinzuala kept his cool to seal a point for Aizawl.

Lajong now gear up for their final league game at home against Delhi FC on April 5.