Rangdajied beat Mohun Bagan 2-0
SHILLONG: It was a while in coming, but the spirit of Rangdajied United FC came through on Sunday as the Shillong club defeated Mohun Bagan 2-0 in a 12th round I-League match in Kolkata to record the club’s first victory in India’s top tier of football.
The Blues had gone 10 matches without a win, although they had scripted some hard fought draws that showed their potential.
Coach Santosh Kashyap had all along assured the fans that a win was around the corner and his boys came through on Sunday.
Manandeep Singh gave Rangdajied the lead in the 22nd minute before captain Eugeneson Lyngdoh doubled his team’s tally in the 66th minute.
The win against the Mariners would have counted for something a little extra to Kashyap, as he was sacked by the Kolkata giants midway through last season after a run of poor results, replaced by current coach Karim Bencherifa.
Surprisingly, Kashyap did not start with fiery striker David Ngaihte or Joychandra Singh. T Lalnunpuia was also on the bench.
Instead, it was IMG-R’s Manandeep and North Korean Kim Song-Yong who started up front.
Bagan were the more attacking side early on and the hosts had a good chance to take the lead.
India international goalkeeper Subrata Paul failed to clear a back pass that fell at Odafa Okolie’s feet on the edge of the box.
The talismanic Nigerian, who is yet to score this season after injury, passed to Kenyan Eric Muranda, but the latter was slow to turn and the visitors survived.
Later on Yusa Katsumi was as impressive in Bagan’s attacks in the RUFC half, but the Blues were soon settled in and silenced the hosts.
Manandeep broke the deadlock when Yohei Iwasaki dribbled past two defenders and found the striker inside the six-yard box. The former East Bengal player then easily slotted the ball home.
Mohun Bagan did not take this goal lying down and came out more vigorously than ever.
Odafa took most of the burden upon himself but Subrata came to the rescue on a number of occasions and RUFC entered the break 1-0 up.
After the change of ends, the visitors had the first look with Manandeep in the thick of the action once again. However, his screamer found opposition goalkeeper Sandeep Nandy.
The Green & Maroons, who were actually playing mainly in white, made a few inroads but none really challenged Rangdajied.
Eugene then stunned the small crowd with a 66th minute goal.
Kim built up an attack from the right and fed the ball to Manandeep who expertly back-heeled the ball to the unmarked Eugene, who tapped the ball in within the six-yard box.
Rangdajied would have known, however, that a 2-0 lead did not assure them victory after being in a similar position in a game against Salgaocar at home last month that ended in a draw.
Restomwell Khriam and Ngaihte came on after the second goal and despite the Mariners struggling on, the hosts were unable to make an impact and Rangdajied were able to celebrate their first ever I-League victory.
This win was more important for the Blues as they are direct competitors with Bagan, the Kolkatan team holding 10th place with 11 points from as many games.
Rangdajied now move to 12th place and have eight points, one ahead of Churchill Brothers, who have played one less match.
The Blues will now return home to host East Bengal on December 7, their tails well and truly up. (with agency inputs)