Wadjied Ryngkhlem’s early strike was enough for home side Shillong Lajong to secure all three points in the opening Group F game of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup which was played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Red Dragons celebrated their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after 2018 in fine fashion.
Shillong Lajong Head Coach Jose Hevia lined up his side in a 4-3-3 formation with Brazilian Marcos Rudwere Silva playing upfront while Tribhuvan Army FC Head Coach K.C Meghraj named an experienced starting eleven with Nepal international Bharat Khawas leading the side.
The home side took an early lead in the sixth minute of the game after the Nepal side had started the game on the front foot. Wadjied Ryngkhlem’s well directed shot past a couple of defenders around, found the net beyond the diving goalkeeper. Both teams moved the ball forward as the match was played at a fast pace, but it was Shillong who were creating the better opportunities. Better composure would have seen the home side take a comfortable lead in the game, but the finishing was lacking. Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Everbrighton Sana and Marcos Rudwere Silva missed their chances to score.
On the other end, Tribhuvan Army absorbed all the pressure and were relying on the counter attack and had their moments in the half to equalise. Basant Jimba missed the best chance to equalise just before halftime as the striker scuffed his attempt with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Shillong continued their attacking game in the second half creating a host of chances but they still were unable to find the second goal, with the final touch lacking inside the box. Tribhuvan goalkeeper, Bikesh Kuthu was also brilliant in goal saving various goal bound efforts. On the other end, Shillong goalkeeper Manas Dubey kept out Basant Jimba’s point blank header to keep the scores intact. Shillong Lajong saw off the rest of the game without much trouble to celebrate their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a win.
Report: Pratyusha Mukherjee
