Durand Cup: Lajong end campaign with a win

KOKRAJHAR: Ronney Wilson Kharbudon’s two headed goals helped ten men Shillong Lajong FC to beat Downtown Heroes, Srinagar 2-1 to end their campaign on a high in a Group-D fixture of the 132nd Indian Oil Durand Cup played here at the SAI Stadium on Sunday.

Shillong Lajong were playing for pride as they were out of the reckoning to qualify for the knockouts while Downtown Heroes were playing to make a mark in the highest level of Indian football. The side from Kashmir started on the front foot against a more experienced Shillong side. Parvaj Bhuiya’s shot was saved by the Lajong keeper as the Kashmir side showed their intent early on. The first real chance of the half came for Shillong Lajong as Pursunep’s effort was saved brilliantly by Downtown Heroes keeper Paramjit Baghel. The counter attack on that save led to Shillong Lajong being reduced to ten men. Nigerian Ezekeil Oroh was free on goal but he was cut down by Lajong goalkeeper Ngamsanglena Haokip who came rushing outside the box.

Shillong Lajong played positively even with a man down as they came close to breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute. Kynsailang Khongsit’s cross was met by Laiwang Bohham before the Downtown Heroes keeper could punch it away but his header went wide. Figo Syndai’s effort minutes later hit the side netting. Downtown Heroes broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through an own goal by Ronney Wilson Kharbudon. DHFC Captain Shahid Nazir’s free kick was deflected into his own goal by Ronney giving the lead for the side from Kashmir. Shillong Lajong got the equalizer in the 36th minute. A corner from Laiwang Bohham was met by Figo Syndai and the ball was headed in by Ronney Wilson who was waiting on the line, making amends for his own goal earlier.

Lajong scored their winning goal through Ronney Wilson. Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri’s freekick from the centre circle was met well by Ronney Wilson and his glancing header beat keeper Paramjit Baghel to give Lajong the lead.

Also Read: Khelo India junior women’s hockey league from August 13

Also Watch: