SHILLONG: Lalrawngbawla’s 90th minute free kick proved decisive for Shillong Lajong as the Reds snatched a 2-1 victory over rivals Rangdajied United in their Imperial Blue Shillong Premiere League semifinal match on Tuesday at the JN Sports Complex in the city.
Lalrawngbawla took Lajong’s free kick in the last minute of stipulated time and placed it through beautifully to give his side an emphatic win, sending them through to the finals in their return to the Shillong Premiere League.
Shillong Lajong first opened scores in the 36th minute when Lalrammuana converted a well-directed cross to move into half time with a goal lead.
But eight minutes after the break, Rangdajied United’s D. Pomtiah produced a wonderful long range shot that saw the ball sail into the nets to bring the Blues’ back into the game.
Both sides appeared evenly matched but a free kick enforced in the 90th minute against Rangdajied was the turning point of the match after which Lalrawngbawla calmly slotted the ball in.
The stage is now set for what should be an epic final clash between Shillong Lajong and Langsning as this will be the first time in five years that a team other than Rangdajied United or Royal Wahingdoh will be champs of the Shillong Premiere League.