I-LEAGUE Media Team

SHILLONG: A peerless Boithang Haokip rescued three points for Shillong Lajong FC as they beat Mumbai FC 1-0 in a Hero I-League second round match at the JLN Stadium here on Sunday.

It was not a great performance from the Reds, but what saved them was Rehenesh TP’s goalkeeping and the foot of Boithang.

Mumbai put the home team under tremendous pressure in the first half, which ended 0-0. Lajong made too many errors and their men up front, including Penn Orji and Cornell Glen, failed to create any real opportunities.

Uilliams Souza Silva was brought on at the start of the second half and the session began with the hosts in the ascendant.

However, Mumbai quickly picked themselves up and resumed their attacks. What ended up costing the visitors the game was a foul on Orji outside the Mumbai box. Climax Lawrence picked up a yellow card for obstructing the free kick, but that did not distract Boithang, who curled in the shot beautifully for the goal in the 57th minute.

Uilliams then blasted the ball just over the crossbar 10 minutes later, but Mumbai had two excellent chances with around 15 minutes left in the game. Josimar’s header hit the bar and stayed out, while a Lajong defender managed to clear the ball off the line in the second attempt.

Although Mumbai continued to give it their all, the Reds held on for three points to get their season up and running.

Hero of the Match: TP Rehenesh (Shillong Lajong FC)

Photo Credit: SLFC Media