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Shillong Lajong will play their second Federation Cup – Group B match against Mohun Bagan on Wednesday, May 10 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack at 7pm.
It was a disappointing first day for the Reds in Cuttack as they succumbed to a 2-3 loss versus Bengaluru FC. Udanta Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh provided the two goals for the winning side and their third was a defensive mistake by Lajong FC captain Aiborlang Khonjee which resulted in an own goal.
Thangboi Singto’s young squad had a better second half and were pushing forward on many occasions. They first won a penalty after Sandesh Jhingan handled the ball inside the box but Reds striker, Aser Dipanda Dicka failed to convert the glorious opportunity as his shot flew over the crossbar. The Reds were eventually rewarded with a goal when Japanese midfielder Yuta Kinowaki netted the ball past the Bengaluru FC keeper Ralte and Samuel Lalmuanpuia successfully converted the penalty after he was brought down inside the box. The boys tried hard to level the game but the Blues held strong till the end of the final whistle.
In the other opening day Group B game, Mohun Bagan took on DSK Shivajians FC and the defending Federation Cup champions scored four goals that came from a Balwant Singh brace, a header from Daryl Duffy and Jeje Lalpekhlua added the fourth in stoppage time.
The last time Shillong Lajong FC and Mohun Bagan played against each other, was in Shillong on April 12 in a I-League encounter in what was one of the most thrilling and entertaining matches played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recently. Shillong Lajong FC was the stronger side and gave Mohun Bagan a tough time at home, but it ended with both teams sharing one point after a 1-1 draw.
Shillong Lajong FC head coach Thangboi Singto shared his thoughts on the first game and what we can expect in the next game against Mohun Bagan as he said, “It was a very challenging first game of the Federation Cup. If we didn’t miss the penalty and didn’t concede an own goal, it would have been a different result.”
“It will be a tough game versus Mohun Bagan as we will miss the services of two key players, Dicka and Nim Dorjee, who got injured in the last match.”
“Mohun Bagan has always been a very strong side. It’s a good opportunity to play and do better this time. We will approach the game positively only”, he concluded.
