The victory took Shillong Lajong temporarily to the top of the table with seven points from three matches
Hyderabad: Shillong Lajong FC produced an impressive performance to secure an entertaining 2-1 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in the Star Cement Indian Football League at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday.
The home side took the lead in the 51st minute through Joedson dos Santos, who converted a set-piece opportunity. Substitute Nicolas Morinigo equalised for Sreenidi Deccan in the 72nd minute, but Shillong Lajong restored their advantage in the 84th minute through a well-taken goal by substitute Tremiki Lamurong.
The victory took Shillong Lajong temporarily to the top of the table with seven points from three matches, while Sreenidi Deccan remained fourth with four points from three games. Joedson dos Santos was named as the player of the match.
Shillong Lajong dominated possession from the kick-off, with Lamlallian Valphei, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli, Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Abelson Jachi controlling the midfield through some crisp, one-touch passing. The first clear chance came in the 10th minute following one such move, as Everbrightson Sana unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, only for Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh to produce an excellent fingertip save.
At the other end, Sreenidi Deccan’s attacking moves were orchestrated by Adriano Castanheira, who released Jerry Mawihmingthanga through the middle. However, Shillong Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar timed his charge outside the box to perfection, preventing Jerry from reaching the ball. Moments later, the Portuguese midfielder picked out David Castañeda, whose shot was pushed on to the base of the post by Ranit before striking the opposite post and staying out. It was the visitors’ best chance of the first half.
Shillong Lajong continued to enjoy the majority of possession, keeping the Sreenidi Deccan defence on its toes.
