I-League: Shillong Lajong snatch late draw against Dempo

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 20, 2025

Shillong Lajong FC came back from behind to earn a hard-fought draw as Brazilian Daniel Goncalves struck his second goal of the match deep into added time, helping them snatch a 2-2 result against Dempo Sports Club in the I-League 2024-25 match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday. The home side led 1-0 at halftime.

In a match of fluctuating fortunes, Dempo took the lead in the 39th minute through Marcus Leric Jr. Joseph before Daniel Goncalves restored parity for Lajong two minutes into the second half. Mohamed Ali regained the lead for Dempo five minutes later, but Goncalves again came to Shillong Lajong’s rescue by breaching the Dempo defense in the 90+7th minute.

Lajong, with 23 points from 15 matches, are placed fifth on the table, whereas Dempo dropped a place to find themselves ninth with 19 points from 15 outings.

The match burst into life in the sixth minute when Marcus Leric Jr. Joseph found himself one-on-one with Shillong’s goalkeeper, Ranit Sarkar. A lofted through ball left Joseph with only Sarkar to beat, and the striker unleashed a left-footed shot from the edge of the box. But Sarkar was quick to react and dived to his left to make a fine save.

However, Marcus couldn’t be denied a goal in the 39th minute. The goal came after a smooth run down the right wing by Knerkitalang Buam, who delivered a grounded cross into the box. Seigoumang Doungel met the cross with a first-time shot, but Ranit Sarkar pulled off another sharp save. However, the rebound fell kindly to Marcus, who was left unmarked with an open net waiting for him to score. The striker made no mistake, calmly tapping the ball in to give Dempo the lead.

Shillong returned the compliment in the 47th minute when Goncalves rose the highest inside the rival box to find the target with a powerful header.

Dempo’s captain, Mohamed Ali, turned the game around for his team again in the 52nd minute. A free kick inside the box saw Marcus Joseph take a decisive touch, wrong-footing keeper Ranit Sarkar and forcing a desperate save. The ball ricocheted off the post, but Mohamed Ali was quick to react and guided the rebound over the line.

Marcus Joseph continued to be a thorn in Shillong’s flesh, and in the 84th minute, he nearly struck again with a moment of brilliance, but Ranit Sarkar managed to keep Shillong’s hopes alive. In the 97th minute, Goncalves delivered a dramatic equalizer for Shillong Lajong. Kenstar Kharshong crossed the ball inside the box for Hardy Cliff Nongbri, who cleverly chested the ball into the path of Goncalves. With composure, the Brazilian tapped the ball into the net.

Lajong are still in 5th position with 23 points from 15 matches and will now look forward to their next away match against Sporting Club Bengaluru on February 26 at 4 PM at Bangalore Football Stadium, Bengaluru.