SHILLONG, June 16: Defending champions Shillong Lajong FC went down to Langsning FC 0-1 in a highly-anticipated second fixture of the Shillong Premier League 2021-22 at the Third Ground, Polo, here on Thursday.
In a match that saw both sides take charge at times, it was Shano Tariang’s 70th minute goal that proved decisive, with Langsning taking all three points.
The first half belonged to four-time champions Lajong despite them fielding a young, new-look team under gaffer Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet.
One of the first scares came in the 18th minute when Amon Lepcha rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike following a through ball.
Langsning leaked 21 goals in their 2019 campaign, but now boast of a stronger defensive line led by the experienced Ambilstar Sun and Dibinroy Nongspung.
In the 24th minute, Saveme scored from free-kick but the goal was disallowed after the referee awarded a foul against Lajong for an infringement on a defender inside the box.
Lajong looked to find the breakthrough but their chances went begging. Hamedamanbha Wahlang tapped wide of goal in the 38th in what should have been a relatively easy chance. Both sides then went into the break yet to break the deadlock.
Following the restart, Langsning began picking up momentum. Kitboklang Pale came on as a second half substitute and combined well with Figo Syndai, Roikhihbha Nongtdu and Kynsaibor Lhuid up front.
Lajong’s goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh was tested a number of times before one went past him. The goal came about after a free-kick hit the Lajong wall but squeezed through for Tariang to score off the rebound unmarked.
A minute later, Langsning almost doubled their lead but Tariang’s sure-footed strike was punched away by a diving Lyngdoh.
Lajong searched hard for the equaliser resulting in a few nervy moments for Langsning but their defence held on until the final whistle for a solid start to their campaign.
Incidentally, this is the first time that Langsning have beaten Lajong in the Shillong Premier League since the tournament final in 2018.
On Friday, Malki will take on Ryntih at 4 pm at the same venue.
