Reds beat Rangdajied United 3-2 in thrilling final
Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC emerged champions of the Shillong Premier League 2016 after defeating Rangdajied United FC by 3-2 in what was a thrilling grand finale held at the JN Stadium here on Wednesday.
The Reds are now Meghalaya’s best team for three consecutive years, after winning the championship in the 2014, 2015 and now the 2016 edition.
Shillong Lajong FC who dominated the top spot throughout the league stage fought very hard to defend the title in the grand finale against Rangdajied United and scored three goals on Wednesday’s game with a brace from Lalrammuana and a goal by super sub Alen Deory.
Lajong took the lead in the 22nd minute of the match when Isaac Vanmalsawma’s free kick was met by Lalrammuana for an easy tap into the net.
After conceding, Rangdajied started to make better moves up front in the 41st minute, James Moga tried a long ranger but it went wide of the left post. Shillong Lajong FC went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
After the break, Rangdajied levelled the score with a goal from James Moga in the 46th minute.
Lajong head coach made a quick substitution in the 61st minute and brought on Alen Deory for Samuela.
Barely three seconds on the field Deory scored from a free-kick to give Lajong 2-1 lead.
The Blues cancelled Lajong’s lead once again to level the score at 2-2. Debin Roy Shangprung with the goal this time.
The game got the spectators on the edge of their seats as everyone was eager to witness the winning goal. It was Lalrammuana who scored the winning goal for the Reds in the 70th minute.
Rangadjied tried hard to level the score line again but could not penetrate Lajong defence. The referee eventually blew the final whistle in the end and Lajong won the Shillong Premier League for the third consecutive year.
