Shillong, Aug 6: Langsning FC ripped up the script and came from 2-0 down to hold Nongkseh SS&CC 2-2 in a wild Group E Shillong Derby at a packed JN Stadium in the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup on Thursday.
Nongkseh were ruthless in the first half. In the 29th minute Shano Tariang pounced on a loose midfield pass and slotted home. Nine minutes later a Rajat Paul Lyngdoh fumble let Sheen Stevenson in, and captain Hardy Nongbri rolled it into an empty net to make it 2-0. Nongkseh’s defence was also on fire — Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw and Chesterpoul Lyngdoh made goal-line clearances, and Syed Ahmed had a 19th-minute rocket ruled offside.
Langsning came out a different team. Three minutes after the restart, Chusrang C’s trademark long throw caused panic and Mebanshngain Kurkalang looped a header in. Two minutes later, 50th minute, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem’s cross found Syed Ahmed who beat the keeper to the ball and powered in another header. 2-2 in five minutes.
From there it was chaos. Samuel tested the Nongkseh wall with a free-kick, Nongkseh hit on the break, tackles flew and cards came out. Deep into stoppage time Hardycliff Nongbri’s header drifted just wide for Nongkseh, but both sides had to settle for a point.
It was a fair result in a match full of pace, long balls, and pure derby fight.
