Shillong, Aug 13: Fireworks at JN Stadium. Shillong Lajong FC battled Langsning FC to a wild 3-3 draw on Thursday and marched into the Durand Cup quarterfinals as Group E winners.
Jota set the tone early. In the 26th minute he pounced on a loose ball and slotted home, then struck again four minutes later with a cool finish after Everbrighton Sana’s cheeky backheel. 2-0 Lajong, and the Reds looked in control.
Langsning had other plans. They came out swinging in the second half. Kyrmenskhem Mukhim pulled one back in the 49th with a thumping header, and Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem powered another in at the 63rd to make it 2-2. Game on.
Lajong answered. Sana rose unmarked in the 83rd to nod in a Kenstar Kharshong cross and put Lajong back in front. But Langsning weren’t done. Deep into stoppage time, Syed Ahmed climbed highest to head home in 90+1 and complete a brave comeback.
The point was enough. Lajong finish top of Group E with seven points. Langsning exit with five, but with heads held high after refusing to quit. The result also pushed East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC through as the two best second-placed teams.
From the first minute it was end-to-end. Early chances, a crossbar rattle, sharp saves from Ranit Sarkar and Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, and constant waves of attack. No one settled for a draw until the final whistle forced it.
