Shillong, Aug 5: A second half strike by forward Nasir Yasa (67′) proved to be the difference as Malaysian Armed Forces edged past home side Rangdajied United 1-0 in a tightly contested Group E match of the 134th Durand Cup, which was played here at the JN Stadium this evening.
Despite Rangdajied dominating both possession and attacking chances, it was the Malaysian side who made their moment count. Nasir Yasa, capitalising on a counterattack in the 67th minute, calmly slotted the ball into the near post with a composed left-footed finish after being set up by Muhammad Arif, sealing the victory for the visiting side.
With two defeats in as many games, Rangdajied are effectively out of the competition, though they still have a game to play against defending champions NorthEast United FC.
RUFC head coach Aiborlang Khongjee made wholesale changes to his starting lineup, retaining only four players from the previous game, and fielded a youthful lineup in a 4-3-3 setup. Skipper Balamlynti Khongjee and Meban Kurkalang led the defence, with Manbhakupar Iawphinaw at the tip of the attack and Dibormi Kassar orchestrating play from midfield. Malaysian Armed Forces coach Mohamad Khairil Hafiz Mohd Zanggi, meanwhile, introduced Mohammad Azarulhisham Anuar in goal and Muhamad Mujahid Dzakaria on the wing in his version of the 4-3-3.
The hosts started strong and had early opportunities. In the 10th minute, Manbhalang’s goal-bound effort was denied by opposing goalkeeper Anuar. Moments later, a well-worked free kick from Balamlynti to Wadshwa Latoo saw the latter miss a free header. Bantiplang Rymbai and Stephanson Pale also tested the Malaysian keeper, but without success.
Malaysian Armed Forces, though quiet in attack, showed glimpses of being threats. A powerful long-range shot by Muhammad Arif Aiman in the 37th minute forced RUFC keeper Banteilang into a crucial diving save. Rangdajied thought they had taken the lead just two minutes later when Stephanson found the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.
After a goalless but action-packed first half, the Malaysians came out more organised in the second period, sitting deep and playing on the break. In the 56th minute, Arif Aiman nearly capitalized on a keeper misjudgment, but a heroic goal line clearance by Denelson Pyngrope denied the Malaysian side.
The pressure finally told in the 67th minute. On a textbook counterattack, Arif surged forward and rolled a perfectly weighted through-ball to Nasir Yasa, who took his chance clinically.
Aiborlang’s men piled on the pressure late in the game. Captain Balamlynti delivered a perfect cross in the 81st minute that found Stephanson unmarked in the box, but his header lacked direction and landed straight in the keeper’s gloves.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and attacking intent, the young RUFC side lacked composure in the final third and were repeatedly denied by a resolute Malaysian defence.
The next match at this ground will be the decisive contest between leaders Shillong Lajong and defending champions NorthEast United, which will almost certainly decide which team finishes the group on top. That will be on Friday at 7pm.
