I-League 2018-19, Shillong Lajong 0-1 Real Kashmir: 3 Reasons why Snow Leopards beat the Reds

#2 Shillong Lajong's passing game ineffective against Real Kashmir's aerial route

Real Kashmir's Bazzie Armand gets a free header in the centre of the part against Shillong Lajong

Shillong Lajong took the slow and steady approach of passing the ball amongst themselves in the midfield and then releasing the strikers with one incisive pass. However, the threat fizzled out in the attacking third itself as the Real Kashmir foreigners in the back, Loveday Enyinnaya, Aaron Katebe, and Bazie Armand, outmuscled them.

The Shillong Lajong youngsters are very good on holding the ball at their age, however, it is not enough as per the I-League standard. Real Kashmir FC, on the other hand, took the aerial route and, it worked wonders.

Nagen Tamang and Surchandra Singh floated in crosses from left, right, and centre but, the finishing touch was missing from the strikers. Shillong Lajong rarely got the upper hand in aerial duels and, the strategy paid dividends as it was Aaron Katebe's header which demarcated the two sides.