Shillong Lajong suffered 2-3 defeat against Mohun Bagan in their final match of the Hero I- League

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 8, 2019

SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat against Mohun Bagan in their final game of the Hero I-League 2018-19 season on Friday at the JN Stadium in Shillong.

Dipanda Dicka scored the opening goal for the visitors very early in the 4th minute from the penalty spot. Phrangki Buam equalised for Lajong in the injury time of the first half. Phrangki then went on to score his second goal  in the 53rd minute giving Lajong the lead adding to his total of 6 goals of the season. Sony Norde scored from a free-kick in the 78th minute and Britto scored in the 88thminute to give Mohun Bagan their lead back.

Coach Alison made five changes with several keys players like Kitboklang Pale, Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Samuel Kynshi, Nabin Rabha and Neitho absent from the starting line-up. Donboklang Lyngdoh and Freestar Kharbangar were handed their first I-league start together with Lalrohlua Fanai, Hardy Cliff Nongbri and goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.

The Reds didn’t start the game on a positive note as in the early 4th minute a defensive error from Aiban forced Phurba to commit a foul on Dipanda Dicka who made no mistake from the penalty spot to give the visitors the early lead. In the final minute of first half’s regulation time, Phrangki Buam was brought down inside the box which won Lajong a penalty and Phrangki stepped to score past the keeper to score the equalizer and the half ended with the score-line being 1-1.

In the 78th minute, Mohun Bagan were awarded a free-kick outside Lajong’s box and Sony Norde went past Phurba with an exquisite attempt and equalized for the visitors. Ten minutes later, Lajong were caught on counter as Dipanda Dicka found himself open on goal but his venomous shot was punched away by Phurba which fell perfectly for Britto who made it 2-3 for Mohun Bagan.

After 20 matches, Shillong Lajong finished in the 11th position with 11 points. Phrangki Buam finished as the top scorer of the club with 6 goals followed by Samuel Kynshi with 5 and Mahesh Naorem with 4 goals.