Shillong Lajong FC Media

SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong registered their first win in their opening match of the Independence Day Celebration Invitation Football Tournament held today at AR Ground in Aizawl.

The Reds defeated Bethlehem VT FC 2-1 with goals from Bipin Singh in the 24th minute and Milan Basumatary in the 59th minute for Lajong. While Risanga managed to pull one off for the home side, Bethlehem FC in the 85th minute.

Lajong Head Coach, Thangboi Singto selected a strong lineup today consisting of the Lajong youngsters namely, Nim Dorjee, Sandeep Singh, Pritam Kumar, Joe, Jacob, Joseph, Redeem Tlang, Bipin Singh, Milan Basumatary, Samuel Lalmuanpuia and Phurba (GK).

Lajong started the match on a bright note and saw plenty of opportunities coming in front of goal. The boys displayed a brilliant game and were combining exceptionally well.

Bipin Singh, who played his first game of the new season after the one and a half month break, scored the first goal of the match in the 24th minute.

After the first goal, the Reds were also defending well and denied their opponents the chance to equalise. But unfortunately, a silly mistake by the Lajong goalkeeper saw the team reduced to 10 men. Phurba handled the ball outside the box and the referee gave him a red card for his mistake. Hence, the young goalkeeper from Nagaland, Nethovile, came on, in place of Redeem Tlang.

However, the red card incident didn’t de-motivate the boys and they kept on pressuring their opponents in front of goal. They continued to work hard and were finally paid off when Milan Basumatary made a good run to receiving a long ball and netted the ball into the net in the 59th minute.

In the final stages of the match, Risanga helped Bethlehem FC reduce the deficit by scoring in the 85th minute. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Lajong. This is the second consecutive loss for Bethlehem VT FC.  Meanwhile, Shillong Lajong FC will play their next game against Ramhlun North FC on 2nd August at 2pm.