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Shillong Lajong FC got off to a flying start in the 35th Federation Cup by crushing Salgaocar FC with a thumping 4-0 scoreline at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday afternoon.
A match expected to be a tough encounter for both teams was a one-sided affair as Salgaocar’s poor run of form continued, while the Reds continued with their good form.
The match started poorly for both teams without any clear cut chances. However in the 14th minute, Lajong FC got the breakthrough after the Salgaocar defence was caught sleeping. A clever lobbed pass from Taisuke Matsugae was headed by Lajong winger Seikhohao Tuboi into the top corner of the Salgaocar net.
The goal meant that Derrick Pereira had to change his tactics early as in the 29th minute he brought on Clifton Dias for Marcus Mascarenhas. The tactical switch however was not successful as Thangboi Singto’s men created many chances and put a lot of pressure on Greens’ goalkeeper Karanjit Singh. Lajong FC got their second in the 36th minute after a brilliant low cross from Cornell Glen was converted successfully by the Federation Cup debutant Redeem Tlang, which was his first senior team goal. Lajong nearly got their third only for Subash’s effort to go over the bar. The half ended with Shillong Lajong with a two goal advantage.
Lajong FC began the second half much like they ended the first with Glen almost finding the net only seconds after the restart. Glen had controlled the ball on his chest after which his shot went past keeper Karanjit Singh, but out of play off the post. It did not take long for Lajong FC to find their third goal which came in the 48th minute when Japanese recruit Taisuke Matsugae made an easy run past Clifton Dias to find a lot of space after which his thunderous strike proved to be too much for the Salgaocar custodian
Lajong made another smart move in the 61st minute which gave them their fourth goal and secured the three points as well. Glen who had assisted one for his team found himself on the edge of the box and his left-footed strike went into the back of the net to add further misery for Salgaocar FC.
Shillong Lajong FC after their great start now will take on Kolkata side Mohun Bagan AC on Saturday, January 18 at 4pm with the match to be broadcast live on TenAction.
