Air India were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Shillong Lajong. The airmen are now in the 8th position in the league table. ND Opara was fouled in the Lajong box and the Nigerian striker converted from the spot kick and gave the airmen a perfect start, but Lajong were rewarded for their possession over the ball, as Wailadmi Passah equalized on the 84th minute. Air India goalie had a wonderful game, and kept the Meghalaya side from going back with the threepoints. Arnab Das Sharma was named Man of the Match.
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Shillong Lajong started the game with shuffling a few players around. Daniel Bedemi and James Gbilee played up-front, whereas Anil Gurung and Tuboi took the flanks. Anil later on joined Daniel upfront, while James played on the right flank.
ND Opara was a slippery customer for the Lajong defence and he did manage to win his side a penalty, when he was brought down in the Lajong box. Opara gave Air-India the lead and scored his 10th goal of the season.
Lajong didn’t take much time to get back to the Mumbai team as Anil Gurung got to the end of a long pass from the midfielder Samson Ramengmawia and managed to cross the ball, but Tuboi on the far post saw his shot blockedby the Air-India defender.
Daniel got a chance on the 39th minute with another brilliant pass from Anil, but his effort was well saved by Arnab.
In the second half, Shillong Lajong’s body-language was telling only one thing: they were not going back without any points from the Cooperage. Within a few minutes after the restart, Lajong kept pushing and weredenied a penalty claim.
Daniel looked good, partnering with both Anil and Tuboi, causing the airmen to go even more defensive. Yet again in the game, Anil was able to find his Nigerian teammate at the end of a through ball, but Air-India’sgoalkeeper seemed he wouldn’t let anything pass by.
Tuboi was denied twice by the airmen goalie, and the frustration on the Manipuri was certain. The debutants dominated most of the second half and the ball possession finally paid off when Wailadmi Passah was able to find the back of the net through a crowd of players in front of goal.
