I-League 2018-19: 3 reasons why Mohun Bagan won against Shillong Lajong

#2 Lajong’s improved performance could not prevent Mohun Bagan from winning

Shillong Lajong came to this match after 6-1 drubbing against Real Kashmir. As usual, it was expected their confidence would be low. But surprisingly, they put up more inspiring performance this time.

Lajong are a young squad and they can surprise their opponents with sheer speed. They did that against Mohun Bagan too as the green and maroon defenders were caught off-guard. Samuel Lalmuanpuia and Pharngki Buam made some quick runs to dispossess Mohun Bagan defenders.

Lajong have scored at least once in all their previous matches except Indian Arrows. They nearly scored one against Mohun Bagan too. However, Samuel Kynshi’s shot was brilliantly saved by Sankar Roy.

It was again the defenders who let their team down. To resist Mohun Bagan strikers, Lajong were crowding the defence. Sometimes, the midfielders were also doubling up defenders. They were more responsible in the first half, not allowing too much space to opponent strikers and clearing the ball to safety zone every time, leaving the opponent strikers frustrated.

They couldn’t hold it for long though as two costly mistakes in the second half allowed Mohun Bagan to score. Firstly, Aibhanba Dohling put the ball on Yuta’s feet while making a clearance. The defenders made a mess while clearing the ball again before Henry Kisekka scored.

Even coach Alison Kharsintiew conceded after the match, “Defence is one of our weak point and we will try to improve that in future.”