SHILLONG: The Reds put up an impressive show but had to be contended with a goalless draw against Mumbai FC in a first Round Hero I-League match played at the JN Stadium here on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides had their share of chances, especially in the first half, but failed to capitalize on them. However, despite being forced to share points with the away side, Lajong can draw heart from the fact that their much publicized youth brigade delivered at the highest level when it mattered the most.
One of the youngsters, Vishal Kaith can be singled out for his performance in front of the nets on Sunday. Lajong would also be happy with the performances of Uilliams Souza Silva and skipper Aiborlang Khongjee who looked fit and good to go for the entire season.
Newcomer Fabio H Pena also found himself in the thick of action in Sunday’s encounter and showed promise of better things to come later on in the league.
Mumbai on the other hand were found wanting, especially in the first half but they did regroup in the second to restrict the Lajong onslaught.
Earlier, Lajong started on a bright note with Penn Orji almost converting in the first minute. However, his grounded shot went just wide on the right.
Mumbai missed a great chance to go ahead when a scorcher of a shot from Eric Brown went just wide on the left of the nets in the 9th minute. Lajong custodian Vishal Kaith surely had his heart in his mouth for a moment when that shot buzzed past him.
Lajong missed a golden chance in the 21st minute when an angled shot from Uilliams went across the face of the nets only to land slightly wide on the right.
Mumbai, meanwhile, had their best chance of the first half in the 37th minute but a brilliant Kaith made two saves within a second to deny the visitors.
First it was Sushil Kumar Singh who sent in a scorcher from outside the box as a diving Vishal rebounded even as Arata Izumi took control. Izumi’s fragile shot from close range was again denied by Kaith who was up to the mark on both occasions.’
The second half did not see much coming for both sides apart from Uilliams’ 76th minute free kick from long range which missed the top of the crossbar by a couple of inches. Lajong, meanwhile, had as many as eight corners but could not make use of any. While Lajong will take on Bengaluru FC in their next game on January 24th, Mumbai will play East Bengal in their next tie.
