Shillong, Nov 14: It was not a match. It was a statement.
Shillong Lajong FC produced the most ruthless performance in SSA Champions Cup history on Saturday, demolishing Fourth Division runners-up Sei La Sap FCC 9-0 at SSA Stadium.
The previous record was also Lajong’s, an 8-0 win against Mawlynrei last year. That record lasted just one season.
Lalmuansanga was the destroyer-in-chief, bagging the season’s first hat-trick with strikes in the 4th, 50th and 51st minutes. He opened with a crisp left-footer and then killed the contest within a minute of the restart in the second half.
The rest was a procession. A 12th-minute own goal by Nathaniel Rani, a header from Colinsalmon Lyngdoh in the 34th minute, a free-kick from Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi in the 42nd, a tap-in from Emanbha Marbaniang in the 46th, and late strikes from substitutes Deibormame Tongper in the 81st and Fridison Wanniang in the 83rd completed the rout.
Sei La Sap, a young academy side from Upper Shillong, tried to play brave football from the back. Against Shillong Premier League runners-up Lajong, bravery became punishment. Every mistake was pounced upon.
In the second match of the day, Group A leaders Mawlai SC showed their championship pedigree with a 3-1 win over Mawpdang SC.
Wadshwa Latoo struck twice, heading in the opener in the 13th minute and finishing off a rebound in the 52nd. Donlad Diengdoh gave Mawpdang hope with a 78th-minute strike that sent their large travelling support into delirium, but Lovingstar Suting sealed it in stoppage time.
Mawpdang goalkeeper Embhahlang Khongnoh deserves special mention, his sharp saves denied Ricky Chyne and Samlang Rympei and kept the scoreline from getting worse.
After two rounds, Mawlai lead Group A with 6 points, with Mawpat SC second on 4 points. In Group B, Lajong also have 6 points, while Mawkhar SC, Sohryngkham SC and Sei La Sap are all on 3 points each.
On Monday, Mawpat will face Lamlynti FC at 11am in Group A, followed by Mawkhar against Sei La Sap at 2:30pm in Group B.
