By Our Reporter
Shillong, Aug 18: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was alive with energy on Friday evening, and in the middle of that roar came a moment that changed the course of Shillong Lajong’s Durand Cup campaign.
Damait Lyngdoh swung his foot, aiming for a cross, but instead saw the ball sail past the goalkeeper and into the net — a stroke of instinct that turned into the spark for Lajong’s comeback.
That unexpected equaliser not only lifted the team on the night but has also set the tone for what lies ahead. “Honestly, I went for a cross but somehow it ended up going in,” Lyngdoh admitted with a smile. “I was just happy we got an equaliser to gain confidence and momentum to win the game.”
The young midfielder’s strike at Polo Ground has since become a symbol of resilience and belief, qualities that will be crucial as Shillong Lajong prepare for their semi-final clash in the 134th Durand Cup.
For Lyngdoh, scoring in front of family, friends, and a passionate home crowd carried special meaning.
“The support from our fans always pushes us forward. Scoring in front of them felt amazing, but the most important thing is that we made them proud as a team,” he said.
Lajong’s progression to the last four is not just about results; it is about representing the pride of Meghalaya on one of Indian football’s grandest stages.
Lyngdoh’s moment of magic has given the squad a lift in confidence, something the midfielder believes will be key in their upcoming challenge. “Everyone has been working really hard, and this result shows the strength of the whole squad. It gives us extra confidence going into the semi-final,” he noted.
As Lajong turn their focus to the next hurdle, the story of that accidental-but-decisive goal has already etched itself into the club’s Durand Cup journey.
What began as a mis-hit cross has become the rallying point for a side hungry to go further.
With belief running high and the fans firmly behind them, Shillong Lajong will look to carry the same spirit into the semi-final, where every touch, every strike, and every ounce of resilience could define their path to glory.