Mohun Bagan beat Shillong Lajong FC by 2-0 in the Hero I-league encounter played at the YBK Stadium in Kolkata on December 23. Goals for the host came from Yuta Kinowaki and Henry Kisekka.
Mohun Bagan had enjoyed majority of the possession in the first half and created some good opportunities for themselves. Two good saves from Lajong custodian, Phurba Lachenpa prevented the Mariners from taking the lead. It was Dipanda Dicka at first who was clear on goal but his shot was met by Phurba’s right foot. Then it was Omars shot that was brilliantly saved by Phurba.
Lajong meanwhile were compact in their formation and pressed well on the counter. A couple of opportunities fell for Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi but could not trouble the keeper enough. Lajong left back Rakesh Pradhan had to be taken off in the first half due to injury and was replaced by Allen Lyngdoh.
Mohun Bagan kicked off the second half with an early goal when the ball fell for Yuta Kinowaki outside the box, who then curled the ball to beat the keeper in the 47th minute. A wonderful opportunity fell for Lajong in the 53rd minute after Samuel Lalmuanpuia made a run inside the box and managed to pull the ball back in the centre of the box, which was met by Samuel Lyngdoh, but the eventual shot was punched away by the keeper.
Mohun Bagan was continuously threatening Lajong with their foreign recruits combining well in front and they eventually doubled the lead in the 60th minute through Henry Kiskka from close range. Lajong tried hard to get back in the game. Sheen Sohktung and Mahesh Singh were brought in the second half to replace Samuel Lyngdoh and Hardy Nongbri respectively but neither could make an impact.
The game ended 2-0 in favour of Mohun Bagan. Lajong will have to work hard as they now have to travel to Coimbatore to face Chennai City on December 29.
