Shillong Lajong FC have only themselves to blame as they split points with lowly Aizawl FC in a 4-4 draw despite taking the lead four times in their I-League 2024-25 match at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
Douglas Rosa Tardin (30′, 65′), Phrangki Buam (90’+2) and an own goal from opposing defender Rodriguez Ayazo Luis Angel (42′) accounted for Lajong’s goals but a shockingly bad performance at the back saw Aizawl come back each and every time, with Malsawmzuala Tlangte (35′), Samuel Lalmuanpuia (55′), Lalhriatpuia (78′) and Lalrinzuala (90’+4P) scoring for the visitors.
When the two sides met in the first leg in January, SLFC were victors in Aizawl.
Today, in Lajong’s return home after six consecutive away games, coach Jose Carols Rodriguez Hevia made three changes from the starting line-up against Inter Kashi, bringing in Aman Ahlawat, Kynsailang Khongsit and Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva in place of Ronney Kharbudon, Kitboklang Khyriem and Renan Paulino De Souza.
A slick move up the left by Phrangki led to the opening goal, with his cross met by Douglas in the box. Malsawmzuala tapped in the equaliser at the other end, but Lajong were able to go into the break holding the lead after a Sheen Sohktung free-kick skidded off the head of Rodriguez to make it 2-1.
Lalmuanpuia then scored against his former club with an accurate free-kick that had Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar rooted to the spot before Douglas scored his second of the night to the delight of the home fans exactly 10 minutes later.
Once again, however, the lead was wasted, with substitute Lalhriatpuia pulling the visitors level just minutes after coming on but Sheen’s brilliant work on the right flank in the early part of 8 minutes of stoppage time saw him skip past three defenders before firing in a cross that Phrangki tapped in at the far post.
SLFC just had to hold on for another few minutes but Ranit clobbered an Aizawl player in the box after failing to properly deal with the ball and that led to a penalty that was converted by Lalrinzuala.
Lajong have now gone four games in a row without a win, while Aizawl take their fight to avoid relegation to the final round, though they would have preferred victory tonight to make things easier for them.
Lajong will play their final round match at home next Saturday against bottom side Delhi FC, who will definitely end the season in the drop zone. But after tonight’s abject performance, victory is by no means guaranteed for the Reds.
