#4 Lajong’s youth played an integral part in keeping the match evenly poised
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An outfit’s biggest strength is its bunch of youth players. Lajong’s repertoire comprised a total of seven U-22 players.
Starting from the custodian, Vishal Kaith to defenders Nimdorjee Tamang, Chinglensana Singh, Zodingliana; midfielders, Isaac, Pritam Kumar Singh, and Bipin Singh all were U-22 flairs. They didn’t exude sheer brilliance but definitely oozed confidence and an indomitable will to fight. If properly nurtured, they can actually go on to be world beaters.
Zodingliana was in the thick of things as he constantly delivered fabulous crosses to his strikers.
In the 24th minute, Zodingliana came tantalisingly close to scoring but his final shot was well saved by the Bagan keeper.
Once again, similar to the previous chance, Zodingliana was good enough to dodge past Shouvik Ghosh but his final shot seemed toothless as once again Debjit collected the ball comfortably.
One of the primary reasons for a spirited performance from Lajong in the beginning of the second-half was the 21-year-old. He whipped in two back-to-back free-kicks only for Pena and Dipanda to head it over.
Barring Zodingliana, the duo of Isaac and Bipin Singh seemed to be an internecine one too. They played pressing football and the balls that they delivered in the attacking third of Bagan were delightful.
However, a lack of experience and sting, in the end, cost them dearly.
