Shillong Lajong FC rallied to defeat TRAU FC 2-1 in the I-League at the Kalyani Stadium tonight.
TRAU took the lead through Issahak Nuhu Seidu (47′) before Lajong found the equaliser due to an own goal (59′). Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva then scored the winner in the 72nd minute.
The win helped Lajong move to fifth spot in the table with 25 points from 15 matches. TRAU, on the other hand, are still fighting to beat the drop. They are at the bottom of the 13-team standings with 7 points from 15 matches.
Lajong demonstrated a dominant possession game during the first half, controlling the midfield and crafting attacks with relative ease. Despite this dominance and the creation of several promising opportunities, their forwards struggled to find the back of the net, with a noticeable lack of finishing precision preventing them from capitalising on their chances.
Coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet made a couple of changes to his starting line-up from the previous game: in came Allen Lyngdoh Nongbri for Saveme Tariang while Figo Syndai was replaced by Phrangki Buam.
One of the standout moments for SLFC came in the 25th minute, thanks to Kynsaibor Lhuid’s precise delivery from the right. Hardy Cliff Nongbri’s subsequent header, aimed at converting the cross, was met with a save from TRAU goalkeeper Aaryan Anjaneya. Another significant opportunity arrived just before the halftime break when Nongbri, once again instrumental, floated a ball from the right flank. This time, Renan Paulino de Souza was the recipient, finding himself unmarked and in a perfect position to score. However, his volley sailed over the crosspiece, adding to Lajong’s frustrations in front of goal.
TRAU, on the other hand, had their own moment early in the half when Danish Aribam’s cross from the left created a chance. Unfortunately for TRAU, Bidyananda Singh’s attempt missed the target.
The dynamics of the match shifted dramatically in the second half, as TRAU took the lead just a minute after the restart. Deepak Singh delivered a precise low cross to Issahak Nuhu Seidu, who was positioned at the edge of the penalty box. The Ghanaian forward controlled the ball with his left foot, setting himself up for the shot. Seidu then took the opportunity to strike with his right foot. Despite goalie Bishal Lama managing to get a hand on the ball, the shot found the back of the net.
TRAU’s early goal in the second half boosted their confidence, allowing them to maintain pressure on the Lajong defence. However, this momentum faced a setback due to a costly error by their goalkeeper Anjaneya, which led to the equaliser.
The incident occurred in the 59th minute when Allen Lyngdoh Nongbri delivered a cross towards the goal, a situation that typically would have been handled comfortably by a goalkeeper. Unfortunately for TRAU, Anjaneya bungled as the ball slipped through his hands, inadvertently crossing the goal line to gift Lajong an unexpected goal.
Lajong sealed the match in the 72nd minute. Damaitphang Lyngdoh received a lateral ball from fellow substitute Pursunep to set up Marcos Rudwere Genare Silva on the edge of the box. The Brazilian forward was left unmarked and he found enough space and time to make a turn and curled home a ball that floated over the TRAU defence and goalkeeper before settling into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Lajong will next host Rajasthan FC at 7pm on February 28 in Shillong.
