Shillong Lajong 2 – 0 Rangdajied United FC
Durand Cup
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 10: Football passion reached a fever pitch in Shillong as 13,631 fans packed the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to witness the highly anticipated derby between Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC in the 133rd Durand Cup. The crowd, vibrant and vocal, created an electric atmosphere that kept everyone on the edge of their seats throughout the match.
The stadium was awash with color, with half of the spectators donning the iconic red jerseys of Shillong Lajong, including enthusiastic young fans. The opposing Rangdajied supporters brought their own flair, armed with trumpets and whistles that blared with every near goal or missed opportunity.
The Shillong derby not only provided thrilling football but also reaffirmed the city’s deep love for the game, with fans playing their part in creating a truly unforgettable sporting spectacle.
Despite several close calls that left Lajong supporters biting their nails, the team ultimately secured a well deserved victory, much to the delight of their fans. The joy of the win was palpable, even though there were moments of collective disappointment when Lajong narrowly missed several scoring chances.
Outside the stadium, the festive mood extended to the streets where vendors did brisk business selling jerseys and other memorabilia. Fans eagerly bought and sported their favourite club’s colours, further contributing to the day’s celebratory atmosphere.
The match itself was a spectacle of high-octane football, with goals from defenders Ronney Willson and Kenstar Kharshong ensuring a 2-0 victory for Shillong Lajong over Rangdajied United. With this win, Lajong moved to the top of the Group F table, tied with FC Goa on points but ahead on goal difference. The upcoming clash between Shillong Lajong and FC Goa on August 17 will now serve as a crucial group decider.
The derby kicked off with both teams playing at a frenetic pace, determined to seize control of the game. From the outset, it was clear that this would be a fiercely contested match, with both sides launching relentless attacks and testing the goalkeepers at either end. Midfield battles were intense, setting the stage for a classic derby showdown.
Shillong Lajong drew first blood midway through the first half when Rangdajied failed to clear a free-kick. The ball was recycled from the left wing by Kharshong, who found Willson unmarked at the back post. Willson’s header soared past the defenders and into the net, sending the Lajong faithful into raptures.
Rangdajied had a golden opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a penalty, but Treimiki Lamurong’s audacious lob from the spot struck the crossbar and bounced out, much to the relief of the Lajong supporters. As the first half drew to a close, Lajong continued to press almost extending their lead, but Rangdajied’s Denelson Pyngrope produced a crucial clearance to keep the scoreline 1-0 at halftime.
The second half saw Lajong come out with renewed vigour, and they quickly doubled their lead. Just four minutes after the restart, Kharshong again made his mark, this time with a towering header from a corner, leaving the Rangdajied defence scrambling.
Lajong maintained control for the remainder of the match, with their set-piece deliveries, particularly from Hardy Cliff Nongbri, causing constant headaches for Rangdajied. While Rangdajied struggled to mount a serious comeback, they managed only a few weak shots that posed no real threat to the Lajong goal.
Phrangki Buam, one of Lajong’s standout performers, came close to scoring multiple times but was denied by a combination of sharp goalkeeping and near misses. Despite these missed chances, Lajong finished the match confidently and now turn their attention to the decisive upcoming fixture against FC Goa, which will determine their fate in the tournament.