Shillong Lajong FC Dominates Mumbay FC with a 5-0 Victory in Durand Cup

Shillong Lajong FC Secures Impressive Win

Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], August 8: In a stunning display, Shillong Lajong FC triumphed over Mumbay FC with a decisive 5-0 scoreline during their Group E match in the 135th Durand Cup, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. This victory significantly enhances their chances of advancing to the quarter-finals.

Everbrightson Sana was the standout performer, netting two goals, while Abhay Gurung, Tremiki Lamurong, and Figo Syndai also contributed to the scoreline, delighting the home fans.

With this win, Shillong Lajong tops Group E, amassing six points from two matches, having secured victories in both encounters. Langsning FC follows in second place with four points, while Nongkseh SS&CC holds third with one point. Mumbay FC, still seeking their first points, sits at the bottom of the table.

Shillong Lajong set an aggressive tone early on, with Phrangki Buam and Jota frequently troubling the Mumbay defense. The first significant chance came in the seventh minute when Ephraim Lalremtluanga's free kick found Arthur Pangaro, whose powerful header was narrowly cleared by Mumbay's defense.

Another opportunity was missed in the 14th minute when captain Kenstar Kharshong failed to capitalize on a set piece, remaining unmarked.

Mumbay struggled to establish any rhythm against Lajong's relentless pressure, with their first shot on target only occurring in the 23rd minute, but Mandeep Singh Multani's attempt lacked the necessary power to challenge goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai.

At the other end, Mumbay's goalkeeper Yasheel Manish Shah was kept busy, making crucial saves against Sana's low shot in the 16th minute and denying Pangaro's close-range effort in the 25th. Lamlallian also tested him from distance in the 36th minute, although Mumbay briefly threatened with Mohammad Kaif Khan's header going over the bar from a Rohit Mirza free kick.

The situation worsened for Mumbay just before halftime when their captain Ahmed Faiz Khan was stretchered off after twisting his ankle. Shortly after his exit, Lajong broke the deadlock.

Joedson Dos Santos's free kick found Sana, whose header was saved, but Gurung was quick to react, scoring from the rebound.

Just a minute later, Lajong struck again, with Tremiki collecting the ball in the box, evading his marker, and finishing calmly past Yasheel. Losing their captain and conceding two goals in quick succession was a heavy blow for Mumbay as they headed into the break.

After the interval, Lajong continued their dominance, with Gurung missing an early chance before the third goal came in the 52nd minute. Tremiki set up Sana, who fired a first-time shot into the top corner, celebrating with a signature Cristiano Ronaldo leap that thrilled the home crowd.

Mumbay attempted to respond, with Afzar Noorani shooting just over the bar in the 56th minute, but their hopes were dashed when Dhruvmil Pandya's poor touch allowed Lajong to regain possession. Sana seized the opportunity, driving into the box and scoring his second goal.

Yasheel continued to perform admirably, denying Kharshong and Joedson from close range, preventing further damage.

In the 88th minute, substitute Manbhakupar Iawphniaw's cross created chaos in the Mumbay box, and when Abhay Chhetri's header failed to clear the danger, Syndai was on hand to nod in the fifth goal, capping off a comprehensive victory for Lajong.

This win marks a perfect start for Shillong Lajong in the tournament, positioning them favorably at the top of Group E as the group stage progresses. Meanwhile, Mumbay FC must regroup quickly, especially in the absence of their captain, whose injury marked the beginning of their struggles.