Shillong Lajong FC did enough to book their place in the quarterfinals of the 133rd Durand Cup 2024 after drawing the final Group F game 1-1 with FC Goa in front of a pumped up crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here this evening.
Lajong took the lead in the 30th minute via Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva but the Gaurs found the equaliser barely three minutes later through Devendra Murgaokar (33′).
Coming into this game, Lajong were leading Goa in the standings on goal difference +3 to +2 as both sides had racked up 6 points each. As such, SLFC just needed a draw from today’s encounter, while the visitors had to win. Although the best two second-placed teams from across the six groups will also qualify for the quarters, Goa did not make the cut, finishing third-best behind Group C’s Punjab FC (+6 goal difference) and Group A’s East Bengal (+4), with all three teams having garnered 7 points each. East Bengal were awarded a point after their scheduled match tomorrow against Mohun Bagan was cancelled due to concerns over security in Kolkata given ongoing protests there.
Here in Shillong, Lajong coach Jose Rodriguez Hevia brought back Manas Dubey in goal and also introduced Brazilian Daniel Goncalves (who it was recently confirmed is back at Lajong). They replaced Neithovilie Chalieu and Aman Ahlawat respectively.
FC Goa started well in the first half, controlling possession and keeping the Lajong defence on their toes. As the hosts grew into the game, both teams tried to take control in the midfield to create chances.
Lajong have been dangerous in set-pieces throughout the tournament and it was yet another corner kick from their captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri that led to the first goal. Rudwere’s first attempt of the corner was saved by the goalkeeper but the rebound fell kindly for the Brazilian who succeeded in the second time of asking to give the home side the lead.
The home side could not celebrate their lead for long as a brilliant solo run from Devendra levelled the scores. He received the ball on the right wing, dribbled past two Lajong defenders and finished expertly past goalkeeper Manas from an acute angle.
The home side finished strongly in the first half and could have doubled their lead but for the heroics of the Goa defence. Daniel’s two headed efforts were cleared off the line in injury time as the Gaurs went into the break keeping the scores level.
It was once again a cagey affair in the second half as both teams looked to maintain control in the midfield. With a draw suiting them, Lajong defended deep and relied on counter attacks as Goa were forced to take the initiative. The visitors, however, couldn’t trouble the Lajong defence or the goalkeeper to any extent.
Goa were then reduced to 10 men as goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari was shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Rudwere. The Gaurs played the rest of the match with defender Balkaran Singh guarding the goal.
The hosts could have put the game to bed, taking advantage of the man advantage but Phrangki Buam missed twice. Those misses did not prove costly as SLFC held on for the draw and ensured that they book their places in the quarterfinals.
With this victory SLFC will join Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Indian Army and NorthEast United in the quarterfinals as group winners while Punjab and East Bengal are the two best second-placed sides.
