I-League: Shillong Lajong score first home win, 2-1 over Mohammedan Sporting!

Shillong Lajong FC vs Mohammedan Sporting

Shillong Lajong FC scored their first home win of the season as they won 2-1 against Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The thrilling encounter ended in the home teams favour with a brilliant display from Brazilian striker Uilliams Souza Silva, who scored both the goals for the home side and his fellow Brazilian countryman Josimar scoring for Mohammedan Sporting.

The game started out well for Mohammedan Sporting after they got possession and created chances. The game then shifted in Lajong’s favour after they launched a lot of attacking displays and cutting through Mohammedan Sporting’s weak defensive line. In the thirty second minute, a handball inside the box left referee Rabichandra no choice but to award the home side a penalty. Uilliams continued his scoring touch after he successfully converted the penalty giving his side the added advantage.

The home team started the game without the services of Trinidad and Tobago striker Cornell Glen and Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae but with all cylinders firing to ensure that Lajong FC get their first home win. Mohammedan Sporting had the dangerous duo of Tolgay Ozbey and Josimar upfront and Josimar did not make any mistake as Mohammedan Sporting found their equaliser five minutes before halftime after a defensive mistake from Lajong which was capitalised by the Brazilian striker. Mohammedan Sporting had Luciano Sabrosa back from injury to strengthen the defence but it was Lajong’s captain Minchol Son who took responsibility, breaking Mohammedan Sporting’s attacks. The first half ended with both teams going into the break with an even score line.

The second half started with much of the spark from the first half being carried forward as both the teams looked dangerous. It took Lajong seventy six minutes into the game to find their second goal after a brilliant curler from Brazilian striker Uilliams. A throw in found Uilliams on the right flank, cutting inside Mohammedan Sporting’s penalty area to curl a left-footed shot that went past Mohammedan Sporting’s goalkeeper Ashok Singh into the back of the net.

The visitors could not get back into the match as most of the possession was with the hosts even after the Kolkata side went behind. The Reds created a lot of chances after even being in the lead when Subash Singh tapped his shot over the goalkeeper but it was cleared off the line. At the final whistle, Lajong FC emerged victorious with their first home win and valuable three points.

With this win, Lajong FC now are in the sixth position with twelve points from eight games and Mohammedan Sporting slipped to ninth position with seven points from seven games.