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Shillong Lajong FC register first home win of the season

I-League: Shillong Lajong FC v Mohammedan Sporting Club

I-League: Shillong Lajong FC v Mohammedan Sporting Club

Shillong Lajong FC got their first home win of the season after they beat Mohammedan Sporting by a score line of 2-1. The match ended in Lajong’s favour after a thrilling encounter and a brilliant display from Brazilian striker Uilliams Souza Silva who scored both the goals for the home side and Josimar scoring for Mohammedan.

The game started out well for Mohammedan after they got possession and created chances. The game then shifted in Lajong’s favour after they launched a lot of attacking displays and cutting through Mohammedan’s weak defensive line. In the thirty second minute, a handball inside the box left referee Rabichandra no choice but to award the home side a penalty. Uilliams continued his scoring touch after he successfully converted the penalty giving his side the added advantage.

The home team started the game without the services of Trinidad and Tobago striker Cornell Glen and Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae but were firing in all cylinders to ensure that Lajong get their first home win. Mohammedan Sporting had the dangerous duo of Tolgay Ozbey and Josimar upfront and Josimar did not make any mistake as Mohammedan Sporting found their equaliser five minutes before halftime after a defensive mistake from Lajong which was capitalised by the Brazilian striker. Mohammedan had Luciano Sabrosa back from injury to strengthen the defense but it was Lajong’s captain Minchol Son who took responsibility, breaking Mohammedan’s attacks. The first half ended with both teams going into the break with an even score line.

Second half started with much of the spark from the first half being carried along as both the teams looked dangerous.  It took Lajong seventy six minutes into the game to find their second goal after a brilliant curler from Brazilian striker Uilliams. A throw in found Uilliams on the right flank, cutting inside Mohammedan’s penalty area to curl a left footed shot that went past Mohammedan Sporting’s goalkeeper Ashok Singh into the back of the net.

Lajong coach Thangboi Singto brought on Jacob for Lalramluaha in the forty sixth minute and got Shillong Lajong’s young sensation Redeem Tlang’s second I-League appearance as he came on for Tuboi in the sixty second minute. Mohammedan Sporting also made changes bringing on Israil Gurung for Isfaq Ahmed in the fifty sixth minute, Ajay Singh on for Khangtang Paite in the sixty sixth minute and Manish Maithani on for Sandeep Sangha in the eightieth minute.

The visitors could not find much reason to get back in the lead as most of the ball was with the hosts even after the Kolkata side went behind. The Reds created a lot of chances after even being in the lead when Subash tapped his shot over the goalkeeper but it was cleared off the line. At the final whistle, Lajong emerged victorious with their first home win and valuable three points.

With this win, Lajong now are in the sixth position with twelve points from eight games and Mohammedan Sporting slipped to ninth position with seven points from seven games.