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Former champions Mohun Bagan and Shillong Lajong FC played a 1-1 draw today in the fourth round of the I-League at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.
Shillong Lajong FC played their 160th I-League match today since they made their debut in the 2009/10 season.
The two goals in today’s game came from spot kicks. Former Lajong FC striker Dicka scored in the 12th minute for the hosts while Samuela scored in the 72nd minute for Lajong FC.
Lajong FC enjoyed a lot of possession in the first half but were not clinical enough going forward. Mohun Bagan were awarded the penalty when Shaikh Faiaz was brought down inside the box and former Lajong FC striker Dipanda Dicka converted the penalty in the 12th minute.
Lajong FC had to bounce back and they came very close to equalise in the 19th minute after some good passing infront of the box but Shilton Paul was quick enough to make an acrobatic save and deny Samuel Lalmuanpuia’s shot.
The first half ended with just one goal scored by the host.
When the second half kicked off, Samuel Kynshi was brought on in place of Alen Deory for Lajong FC. The two central defenders from Lajong FC, Laurence and Juho made sure to keep Mohun Bagan’s attack at bay throughout the match. Dipanda Dicka looked dangerous but could not penetrate the defensive partnership.
The majority of the ball possession enjoyed by Lajong FC meant they created a lot of chances and looked more dangerous infront of goal. The visitors finally levelled the scoreline in the 72nd minute. After some great dribbling display by Aiman, Kingshuk Debnath was found guilty of bringing down the Lajong FC attacker inside the box. Samuel Lalmuapuia who scored in the previous game as well, stepped up and duly scored the penalty into the back of the net.
The goal gave the young Lajong FC side some momentum and they threatened to create an upset. The combination play between Samuel Lalmuanpuia and Aiman led to Mohun Bagan defender Kingsley to commit a foul on Samuel Lalmuanpuia to break the attack. The referee deemed the foul to be worth a yellow card and since Kingsley already had a yellow card to his name earlier in the game, he was given the marching orders. Lajong FC captain Samuel Lalmuanpuia however, could not continue any further and was replaced by youngster Lalrohlua in the 78th minute.
The Mariners who were now down to ten men were desperate to go forward and grab the three points at home. Lajong FC should have capitalised on the one man advantage but could not convert their chances in the last quarter of the match. The match ended 1-1.
The Reds leave Kolkata with a point and travel next to Aizawl FC for the NorthEast Derby on December 18, 2017.
