Shillong Lajong FC crowned U-18 Youth League champions. (Photo courtesy: Shillong Lajong FC)
Shillong Lajong FC won the U-18 Youth League National Championship after a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Shillong Lajong Juniors had a fantastic tournament as they are the only team to remain undefeated out of the 55 teams that participated and scored a total of 23 goals and conceding just three.
In today’s grand finale, the first goal was a result of an own goal by Kerela Blasters player, Lins P Poulose in the 3rd minute. Samuel Kynshi’s free kick near the corner was met by Lins who was aiming to clear the ball but led to an own goal.
The Lajong young guns were dominant throughout the game and had plenty of chances but went into the break with only one-goal advantage.
The Junior Reds started the second half all guns blazing and kept on pressing in front of goal and were creating immense pressure in the opponent’s half. Parvaj came very close to finding the net but his long-range shot hit the post and cleared to safety. Later, Kerala Blasters too had a great chance to equalise but the long-range effort hit the crossbar and fell back to Lajong’s possession.
As the game headed to full time, Kynsailang Khongsit made a darting run from the wing and after some beautiful passes, he found himself inside the box and beat the keeper to double the lead for Lajong in the 90+2 minute.
The referee eventually blew the final whistle awarding Shillong Lajong FC the full three points and were thus crowned the Champions of the U-18 Youth League 2017-18.
(Shillong Lajong FC)