Second leg semi-final ends in goalless draw
SHILLONG: There was no match day miracle in store for Shillong Lajong FC who played out a goalless draw against Mohun Bagan in the second leg semi final of the Federation Cup at the JN Stadium here on Saturday to crash out of the tournament. Bagan, meanwhile, “played a safe game” to ensure that they sail into the final of the Federation Cup. The scores remained leveled at 0-0 at full time and the Mariners, who had won the first leg semi final by a thumping margin of 5- 0, made the cut to the grand finale with ease by virtue of more goals scored. The Mariners made no effort to be adventurous, and rightly so. They held tight to their fortress to deny every single assault from the Reds who seemed destined not to score any on Saturday. Meanwhile, down 0-5 on aggregate, hosts Lajong had a herculean task ahead and the burden proved a little too heavy in the end. Despite numerous efforts, goals eluded the Northeasterners who, however, cannot be termed guilty of not trying enough. In fact, for Lajong it was a day of missed chances and Fabio Pena’s miss hit from close range in the second half bore testimony to this fact. Earlier, the hosts started on a positive note showing all intent to make things move in their favour. Their first real chance came as early as the 6th minute with Chinglensana Khonsham hitting one over the bar following a Bipin Singh corner kick. Despite the wasted effort, Lajong continued to press hard for the breakthrough while Bagan seemed happy doing the defending job. Another decent chance came Lajong’s way in the 23rd minute following yet another corner. This time Chinglensana Khonsham headed it just over the woodwork. Five minutes later, a fine shot by Samuel Lalmuanpuia took a slight deflection as rival custodian Debjit Mazumdar stretched himself to push it out. Crossing over, two corners within five minutes failed to change Lajong’s fortunes. Three minutes after the hour mark Nim Tamang wasted another opportunity for his side as he lofted a shot wide of the nets with Mazumdar, who had failed to collect the ball, being out of position. In the 66th minute, an unmarked Robin Gurung charged into the box but his effort went haywire. Lajong’s best chance to stir the scoreboard came in the 71st minute when Fabio Pena missed a sitter from inside the box with his shot hitting the bar on the right. This so to say summed up Lajong’s fate. Bagan almost scored in the stoppage time but the Jeje Lalpekhlua shot missed the top of the crossbar by a whisker. In the end it was 0-0 with the Mariners progressing on a 5-0 aggregate. Bagan will now take on the winner of the AizawlSporting Clube de Goa tie in the final of the coveted tourney. With just one step away from glory, the Mariners are certain to give it all in the final.
