Shillong, Aug 2: Shillong Lajong FC defeated Tribhuvan Army Football Club by a solitary goal during the first match of the Durand Cup held at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Polo here on Friday.
Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem scored the lone goal for Shillong Lajong at the sixth minute of the thrilling match as both the teams missed several opportunities.
Ryngkhlem’s early strike was enough for home side Shillong Lajong to secure all three points. The Red Dragons celebrated their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after 2018 in fine fashion.
All 43 matches of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) as well as livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform
Shillong Lajong Head Coach Jose Hevia lined up his side in a 4-3-3 formation with Brazilian Marcos Rudwere Silva playing upfront while Tribhuvan Army FC Head Coach K.C Meghraj named an experienced starting eleven with Nepal international Bharat Khawas leading the side.
The home side took an early lead in the sixth minute of the game after the Nepal side had started the game on the front foot. Ryngkhlem’s well directed shot past a couple of defenders around, found the net beyond the diving goalkeeper. Both teams moved the ball forward as the match was played at a fast pace, but it was Shillong Lanong who were creating the better opportunities. Better composure would have seen the home side take a comfortable lead in the game, but the finishing was lacking. Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Everbrighton Sana and Marcos Rudwere Silva missed their chances to score.
On the other end, Tribhuvan Army absorbed all the pressure and were relying on the counter attack and had their moments in the half to equalise. Basant Jimba missed the best chance to equalise just before halftime as the striker scuffed his attempt with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Shillong Lanong continued their attacking game in the second half creating a host of chances but they still were unable to find the second goal, with the final touch lacking inside the box. Tribhuvan goalkeeper, Bikesh Kuthu was also brilliant in goal saving various goal bound efforts. On the other end, Shillong Lanong goalkeeper Manas Dubey kept out Basant Jimba’s point blank header to keep the scores intact. Shillong Lajong saw of the rest of the game without much trouble, to celebrate their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a win.
Mission Football 2.0
Addressing media persons, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that Mission Football will be revamped and an updated scheme will be announced, highlighting new ways to promote football in the state, and develop the culture of football in Meghalaya.
As an extension of the scheme, Conrad announced a Local Football Club Support Scheme where Elite Clubs participating in I-League 2 and above can apply for grants up to Rs. 3 crore and grassroots/intermediate clubs of the state can apply for grants up to Rs. 15 lakh.
Conrad also urged the citizens of Shillong to come out in large numbers to watch the matches of the Durand Cup. “Further, we are happy to use the occasion to share the initiatives the government has begun for football and other sports in the state.
Football Academy
With Mission Football 2.0 the government plans to improve the infrastructure. It was also highlighted that the government in collaboration with North East United
Footbal Club (NEUFC) will soon have one of its kind residential academy at Mawkhanu, New
Shillong Township.
