SHILLONG, Dec 5: Shillong Lajong FC and Inter Kashi played out an engaging goalless draw at the SSA Stadium on Thursday, bringing Round 3 of the I-League 2024-25 to a close.
While Inter Kashi’s flawless start of two consecutive wins came to an end, they retained the top spot in the standings with seven points, edging out Real Kashmir FC and Dempo SC on goal difference. For Shillong Lajong, the result left them still searching for their first victory of the season, as they sit with two points from three matches.
First Half: A Tale of Missed Chances
Inter Kashi dominated proceedings early, showcasing quick and fluid attacking moves that kept the home side on their toes.
The combination of Edmund Lalrindika and Nikola Stojanović was particularly effective on the wings, delivering dangerous crosses into the box. However, a lack of finishing touch denied them the opening goal.
Despite Inter Kashi’s strong start, Shillong Lajong proved resilient, refusing to bow down at home. They crafted several scoring opportunities of their own, with Douglas Tardin coming agonizingly close. A botched clearance in the six-yard box gifted Tardin a chance, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya pulled off a miraculous block to deny him.
Moments later, young winger Sheen Stevenson Sohktung nearly stunned the visitors with a moment of brilliance. Gliding past defenders, Sohktung unleashed a curling shot aimed for the far post, but the ball drifted narrowly wide, leaving the home crowd in disbelief. Just before the half-time whistle, Stojanović tried his luck with a long-range volley after a clearance fell to him, but his effort flew off target.
Second Half: End-to-End Action
The second half mirrored the intensity of the first, with Inter Kashi continuing to dictate the pace and Shillong Lajong relying on quick counters. In the 59th minute, Inter Kashi nearly broke the deadlock when Narayan Das delivered a pinpoint set-piece into the box.
Domingo Berlanga met the cross with a powerful header destined for the far corner, only to be denied by a spectacular diving save from Lajong goalkeeper Ranjit Sarkar.
The game ebbed and flowed, with both teams exchanging half-chances.
As the match wore on, tensions rose, and the physicality of the contest escalated. Tackles flew in as freely as crosses, reflecting the growing desperation for a breakthrough.
In the final minute of regulation time, Shillong Lajong had one last opportunity to snatch a winner. After a flurry of headers in the box, the ball fell to Phrangki Buam just 10 yards from goal. His shot, however, went straight into the waiting arms of Bhattacharya, who ensured that Inter Kashi walked away with a hard-earned point.
Conclusion: A Fair Result
While the match ended goalless, it was far from uneventful. Both sides showcased moments of brilliance and tenacity, keeping the fans entertained throughout.
Inter Kashi’s ability to maintain their unbeaten record keeps them at the top of the league table, while Shillong Lajong’s spirited performance at home offered glimpses of promise as they look to secure their first win in the coming rounds.