Rangdajied save city’s blushes with 1-1 draw
SHILLONG: After doing so well to beat Salgaocar 4-0 in their opening match of the Federation Cup, Shillong Lajong FC came crashing down as Mohun Bagan inflicted a 6-0 hammering on the Reds in their Group C match in Kochi on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in Manjeri, Rangdajied United FC came from a goal behind to draw with top team Bengaluru FC in a Group B match.
Both Mohun Bagan captain Odafa Okolie and Christopher Chizoba scored braces, while Yusa Katsumi and Ujjwal Howladar netted one each in the rout.
The Kolkatans started the better as they tested Lajong goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte thrice in the opening seven minutes, with the keeper doing well to rebuff their attempts.
The deadlock was broken from a corner as Katsumi’s delivery fell to Pankaj Moula, whose shot was deflected into the back of the net by Odafa from close range.
Lajong could have equalised from a Boithang Haokip corner but Cornell Glen’s header went over the bar.
The Shillong club earned plenty of set pieces and Haokip kept producing quality deliveries, but none of his team mates could get on the end of the ball.
Mohun Bagan doubled their lead through Chizoba, who received a pass from Zakeer Mundampara and slotted the ball past Ralte after going past his marker.
Just after half an hour’s play it was 3-0 as Katsumi dispossessed Wailadmi Passah before being put clean through on goal by Chizoba and the Japanese found the back of the net.
The Mariners wasted a couple of chances in the second half with Chizoba finding the side netting after rounding Ralte while Zakeer hit the bar.
But Mohun Bagan did not have to wait long for the fourth goal as at the hour mark Chizoba scored his third goal of the tournament following a nice through ball from Katsumi.
In the 76th minute Bagan added a fifth through Odafa, who ran into the box and a scramble sent the ball into the air ending in an acrobatic kick from the Nigerian that saw the ball into the net .
Karim Bencherifa’s side created plenty of chances in the final quarter and substitute Howladar completed the rout, scoring his maiden goal for the club in stoppage time even as the Reds were pushing to score a consolation goal.
Lajong are now second in Group C, with Bagan taking top spot with six points.
Salgaocar are behind the Shillong team on goal difference and head-to-head.
The Goans beat Mumbai FC 2-1 in the later game, keeping their chances of progressing to the semifinals alive while consigning those of Mumbai to history.
Lajong will next face Mumbai FC on January 21, with Salgaocar playing Mohun Bagan on the same day.
Tamba keeps RUFC alive
Meanwhile, in Manjeri, an 80th minute goal from Lamine Tamba saw Rangdajied rescue a point against Bengaluru for their second consecutive draw.
The Blues had earlier drawn against East Bengal with the same scoreline.
They now have two points to their name and lie third in Group B.
Nevertheless, they still have a chance at topping the group, but will have to defeat Sporting Clube de Goa in their January 21 match and hope that holders East Bengal, who are out of contention, can beat Bengaluru.
Sporting defeated EB 2-1 on Saturday to move to second spot in the group.
Thoi Singh got Bengaluru off to a terrific start, netting a goal in just the second minute of play.
Thoi ran down the middle of the pitch after latching onto Siam Hingal’s ball to fire home from close range.
But RUFC equalised 10 minutes from time when Tamba broke free of his marker to head home a free kick from the right.
It was Rangdajied who looked the likelier of the two to score in the first half after they had conceded two minutes into the tie.
Kim Song Yong shone and had two good chances that were thwarted by Keegan Pereira and goalkeeper Pawan Kumar, respectively. (with agency inputs)