Shillong Lajong FC’s hopes of a Top 5 finish in I-League 2023-24 were left hanging by a thread after they lost 3-1 to Delhi FC in Ludhiana yesterday evening.
Second half substitute Sergio Barboza (65′, 75′, 90’+3) scored a hat-trick for the hosts, while Allen Lyngdoh Nongbri (90’+5) provided a consolation goal for Lajong right at the very end.
Coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet made as many as five changes to the starting XI against Inter Kashi last week. In came Neithovilie Chalieu in goal, Kynsailang Khongsit in defence, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait and Hamedamanbha Wahlang in the midfield. They were taking the places of Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Ronney Kharbudon, Arik Bista, Renan Paulino de Souza and Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem.
The first half was goalless but the match was turned on its head with Barboza’s arrival on the pitch in the 55th minute.
Delhi have now gone three matches in a row without defeat for the first time this season. Barboza continued his tremendous goal scoring form from the weekend when he netted a brace that earned his side a 2-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC.
Coming off the bench, the Brazilian broke the deadlock from the penalty spot 10 minutes later before adding two more late in the game. For the visitors, the consolation goal was scored in the 95th minute by another substitute, Allen, who returned to action after a month and netted his first goal of the season.
The result, however, did not change anything in the points table as SLFC remain in sixth place with 31 points, while Delhi FC are still in seventh with 29. Lajong will now return home to face leaders Mohammedan Sporting on April 6. Delhi will stay in Ludhiana to take on Rajasthan United FC the day before.
Lajong are 5 points shy of Gokulam Kerala and, with only two games remaining, it looks increasingly difficult for the Reds to finish in the Top 5, an ambitious target they set themselves prior to the start of their comeback season.
