Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem’s early strike was enough for home side Shillong Lajong FC to secure all three points against Tribhuvan Army FC of Nepal in the opening Group F game of the 133rd Durand Cup 2024, which was played here at the JN Stadium on a wet and overcast day.
Wadajied (7′) produced a well-directed shot past a couple of defenders to find the net beyond the diving goalkeeper once the match kick-off after a long and colourful opening ceremony.
Lajong’s coach Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia, for whom this was the first competitive game on his return to the club, picked a line-up we’ve become used to seeing, all except for a new goalkeeper, 22-year-old Uttar Pradesh-born Manas Dubey. Lajong look like they have retained at least one of the Brazilians they had with them in the previous I-League season, forward Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva.
Both teams moved the ball forward as the match was played at a fast pace, but it was Lajong 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 Mylliempdah and Rudwere missed their chances to score.
At 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 half time as the striker scuffed his attempt with just the goalkeeper to beat.
SLFC 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, Manas kept out Basant Jimba’s point blank header to keep the scores intact. The hosts saw off the rest of the game without much trouble to celebrate their return to the revamped JN Stadium with a win.
The next Group F match will take place here on August 5 between two Indian Super League sides – FC Goa and Hyderabad FC at 7pm.
