By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC were drubbed 4-1 to former champions Churchill Brothers in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup football tournament in New Delhi on Thursday.
Steven Dias (25th), Henri Arnaud (28), Bineesh Balan (48th) and Roberto Mendid Silva (76th) found the target for Churchill, who have set up a summit clash against Prayag United, while John Menyongar scored the solitary goal for Lajong in the 43rd minute in the match played at Ambedkar Stadium. Prayag United had defeated Pune FC 2-0 in the first semifinal on Wednesday.
Talking to The Shillong Times, Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy sounded upset when he blamed the ‘unnessarily conceded’ freekicks for the team’s dismal show.
“Unnecessary fouls which resulted in freekicks spoilt the day for us,” he said.
“Poor positioning and marking, error from goalkeeper’s end and lack of maturity at this level all contributed to the loss,” he added.
Meanwhile,twice champions Churchill will, however, miss their star striker Henri Arnaud in the final on Saturday as the Gabon international was sent off in the 55th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
In a fast paced match, Churchill Brothers surged ahead in the 25th minute. De Silva took a low and quick free kick from the left to the top of the box. A lurking Dias side-footed the ball goalwards and it entered the net via a deflection off Lajong central defender Aibor Khongjee.
Three minutes later, the Goan side doubled the lead with De Silva speeding down the left before flicking the ball to Henri who overtook his marker and shot home past an onrushing goalkeeper Lalthuammawaia.
In the 43rd minute, Lajong pulled one back. Eugenson Lygdoh’s accurate corner kick was headed in by tiny Menyongar who outjumped his 6ft 3 inches marker Anjun Kovacic to head in.
Cheered on by their vociferous supporters, Lajong started brightly in the second half.
However in the 48th minute, Dias’ accurate free kick was headed into the corner of the net by a diving Bineesh Balan.
“Down by 2-1 at half time, we were confident of making a comeback in the second half but another silly freekick conceded resulted in a goal gainst us,” the Lajong coach said.
In the 76th minute, Churchill midfielder M P Zakeeer, who excelled with mobility and clever passing, took a low free kick from the right and De Silva darted in to prod into the net to complete a thumping win for for his side.
Despite the loss, Reddy denied there was any pressure on the team going into the I League which begins on Octtober 22.
“The team has only lost to Churchill and Salgaocar, which are among the top three teams, in recent times,”Reddy said.
The Lajong coach added that his boys have played good football and done well away from home. (With inputs from PTI)