Meghalaya: Shillong Lajong FC beat Tribhuvan Army FC in Durand Cup opener

Guwahati: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong on Friday (August 2) hosted the first match in the Group F category of the prestigious 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup. State Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma graced the inaugural event.

The afternoon event kicked off with a match between the Shillong Lajong FC and the Tribhuvan Army FC as part of the schedule for the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to host the Group F matches in which Shillong Lajong FC emerged victorious over Tribhuvan Army FC.

Wadjied Ryngkhlem’s early strike was enough for home side Shillong Lajong FC to secure all three points in the opening Group F game. The ‘Red Dragons’ celebrated their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after 2018 in fine fashion.

Shillong Lajong FC head coach Jose Hevia lined up his side in a 4-3-3 formation with Brazilian Marcos Rudwere Silva playing upfront while Tribhuvan Army FC head coach KC Meghraj named an experienced starting eleven with Nepal international Bharat Khawas leading the side.

The home side took an early lead in the sixth minute of the game after the Nepal side had started the game on the front foot. Wadjied Ryngkhlem’s well directed shot past a couple of defenders around, found the net beyond the diving goalkeeper.

Both teams moved the ball forward as the match was played at a fast pace but it was Shillong Lajong FC who were creating the better opportunities.

Better composure would have seen the home side take a comfortable lead in the game but the finishing was lacking. Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Everbrighton Sana and Marcos Rudwere Silva missed their chances to score.

On the other end, Tribhuvan Army FC absorbed all the pressure and were relying on the counter attack and had their moments in the half to equalise.

Basant Jimba missed the best chance to equalise just before halftime as the striker scuffed his attempt with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Shillong Lajong FC continued their attacking game in the second half creating a host of chances but they still were unable to find the second goal with the final touch lacking inside the box.

Tribhuvan Army FC goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu was also brilliant in goal saving various goal bound efforts. On the other end, Shillong Lajong FC goalkeeper Manas Dubey kept out Basant Jimba’s point blank header to keep the scores intact.

Shillong Lajong FC saw off the rest of the game without much trouble to celebrate their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a win.

A symbol of India’s football history and culture, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament.

Organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup has been the breeding ground for India’s best footballing talents over the years.

The inaugural edition happened in Shimla in 1888 and then the tournament moved to New Delhi in 1940, where it was held till 2016.

In 2019, the tournament came under the aegis of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command and moved to the eastern part of the country, with Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football and the Eastern Command Headquarters, being the home base.

What makes the Durand Cup even more unique is that the winners get three trophies, two rotating (Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy) and one for permanent keeps (President’s Cup).

As we embark on this exciting journey over the coming weeks, let us celebrate the beautiful game of football, honour the traditions of the Durand Cup and look forward to witnessing moments of brilliance that will be etched in our memories forever.