Shillong, Aug 8: Shillong Lajong FC delivered a statement performance at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday, thrashing Mumbay FC 5-0 to go top of Group E in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup.
The win, in front of a loud home crowd, was Lajong’s second in two games and took them to six points. Everbrighton Sana was the standout with a brace, while Abhay Gurung, Tremiki Lamurong and Figo Syndai also got on the scoresheet.
The first half was goalless for 45 minutes but exploded in stoppage time. Lajong had already knocked on the door several times, with Arthur Pangaro heading over from Ephraim Lalremtluanga’s free kick and captain Kenstar Kharshong missing from close range. Mumbay’s best chance fell to Mohammad Kaif Khan, who could not direct his header down.
The turning point came in the 45th minute when Mumbay captain Ahmed Faiz Khan was stretchered off with an ankle injury. Lajong struck immediately. Joedson Dos Santos’s free kick was headed by Sana and spilled by keeper Yasheel Manish Shah, allowing Gurung to tap in the opener. Ninety seconds later Tremiki cut inside and finished calmly to make it 2-0 at the break.
Lajong did not let up. Seven minutes after the restart, Tremiki returned the favour, sliding Sana through to smash a first-time shot into the top corner. Sana celebrated with a trademark leap and spin.
The fourth came in the 64th minute after a mistake by Dhruvmil Pandya gifted possession. Sana drove into the box and finished with composure for his second of the night. Mumbay keeper Yasheel kept the score respectable with saves to deny Kharshong and Joedson late on, but the fifth arrived in the 88th. Substitute Manbhakupar Iawphniaw’s cross caused chaos, and Syndai headed home after Abhay Chhetri failed to clear.
Mumbay, still without a point, were second best all evening and now face an uphill task without their injured captain. Lajong sit clear at the top of Group E, ahead of Langsning FC on four points and Nongkseh SS&CC on one.
Next up in Group D on Sunday: TRAU FC face Indian Navy FT at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal, 4 PM.
