'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Royal Wahingdoh’s first ever match in the I-League saw them take on local rivals Shillong Lajong in the first Shillong derby of this season. Bekay Bawar’s first half blinder of a goal and Seityan Singh’s second half strike ensured 3 points for newly promoted side Wahingdoh after neighbours Lajong had taken the lead in the first half.
The match sees Wahingdoh go to second in the I-League table, with Mohun Bagan ahead on goal difference as they defeated Mumbai FC 3-1 in their match.
Rehenesh kept Lajong in the game
The second day of Hero I-League featured the two teams from Shillong. Wahingdoh got their first positive chance in the 8th minute which was saved spectacularly by ISL star Rehenesh TP.
Unexpectedly, against the run of play, Lajong took the lead around the 15-minute mark when skipper Boithang Haokip’s free-kick was deflected inside the goal by Wahingdoh’s Lalchawnkima. Jackichand Singh missed a sitter to equalise right after the goal, as he failed to score from six yards out because he skied his shot above the goal.
The away side continuously pressed in the opponent’s half after conceding the goal but failed to convert any of the chances they created as Rehenesh TP was instrumental in keeping his side in the lead.
Royal Wahingdoh’s Liberian striker finally restored parity in the dying minutes of the first half with a blinder of a shot from 35 yards.
Satyen Singh with the winner for Wahingdoh
Lajong manager fielded his marquee striker Cornell Glen at the beginning of the second half to add more firepower tin their attack. However, the debutants Wahingdoh took the lead immediately as they scored very early into the second half. The 48th minute saw Seityasen Singh score the goal from Jackichand Singh’s cross who ran down the right flank with great speed and put a good ball in.
Jackichand again missed a sitter when he failed to convert a rebound from just 6 yards out and blazed it over the goal, just like his first half chance.
Both the teams shared equal possession and created chances but neither of the teams could successfully convert them. Cornell Glen and Seminlen Doungel were guilty of missing plenty of easy chances, which ultimately costed Lajong three crucial points.
Royal Wahingdoh clearly took home the honours, and will have the bragging rights till the next time they face each other. The debutants will want to continue in similar fashion in their future fixtures as they seek to establish themselves in the tournament. Lajong on the other hand, have a lot to ponder over, and will look to get back on track in their next game.
