Durand Cup Shillong Opener
Shillong Lajong 1 – 0 Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal)
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 2: Shillong Lajong FC marked their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in style, securing a 1-0 victory over Nepal’s Tribhuwan Army FC in the opening Group F match of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup here on Friday. The match, held amidst a stunning opening ceremony despite rain trying to play spoilsport, saw the home side take an early lead that they held onto until the final whistle.
The rain tried all it could, to dampen the spirits of the excited onlookers and the boys in red, but it could only try, as Wadjied Ryngkhlem scored the only and decisive goal in the sixth minute, capitalising on a fast-paced start from both sides. His well-placed shot navigated through a cluster of defenders and beyond the diving Tribhuwan goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu.
Despite a spirited response from the visitors, who relied on counterattacks, the Nepalese army side failed to find the back of the net, with their best chance coming just before the end of first period when Basant Jimba scuffed a clear opportunity.
The home side took an early lead after the Nepal side had started the game on the front foot. Ryngkhlem’s well directed shot past a couple of defenders around, found the net beyond the diving goalkeeper.
Both teams moved the ball forward as the match was played at a fast pace, but it was Shillong who were creating the better opportunities.
Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Everbrighton Sana and Marcos Rudwere Silva missed their chances to score.
Lajong continued their attacking game in the second half and continued to dominate possession and created several more scoring chances. However, they struggled to convert these opportunities into goals, with Kuthu making a series of impressive saves.
Lajong custodian Manas Dubey also shone under the grey skies, stopping Jimba’s header to preserve the home team’s slender lead.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Shillong leg of the Durand Cup in a grand opening ceremony.
Although inclement weather forced the cancellation of an anticipated air show, the event featured lively performances, including a Bhangra and Gatka display by the Sikh Regiment of the Indian army, a daredevil motorcycle show by the Corps of Military Police, and musical performances by around 800 local schoolchildren.
Shillong will continue to host Group F matches, with ISL sides FC Goa and Hyderabad FC also competing alongside Tribhuwan Army FC.