26-07-2025
Shillong Lajong FC Open 134th Durand Cup Campaign With Dominant Performance
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Malaysian Armed Forces FT struggled to create meaningful chances throughout, and Shillong maintained a high tempo until the final whistle.
Shillong Lajong FC kicked off their 134th Durand Cup campaign with an emphatic performance, defeating Malaysia's Armed Forces Football Team (ATM FT) 6-0 in the opening match of Group E at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Everbrightson Sana and Phrangki Buam each scored twice, while substitutes Treimiki Lamurong and Deibormame Tongper added one goal each, showcasing a clinical and confident display by the young Shillong team.
Head Coach Birendra Thapa of Shillong Lajong chose a youthful 4-3-3 formation, with Sheen Stevenson and Phrangki Buam leading the attack alongside Everbrightson Sana in a false nine role. The Malaysian Armed Forces FT, led by coach Mohamad Khairil Hafiz Mohd. Zanggi, also started with a strong XI in the same system, featuring Mohd Suhaim, Nasir Yasa, and Ibramin Muhamat Moha in attack.
The match began with Shillong dominating possession. Their early pressure was rewarded in the 12th minute when Everbrightson Sana headed in a precise cross from Rudra Ved, following a smart freekick routine initiated by Sheen Stevenson. The young Indian team continued to challenge the Malaysian Armed Forces defence with fluid attacking play and relentless pressing.
Malaysia's best opportunity in the first half came from a volley attempt by Mohamad Syamim Yusoff, which narrowly missed the target after a cross was cleared by Shillong keeper Siwel Rymbai. However, the Shillong defence, led by skipper Kenstar Kharsong and Saveme Tariang, remained solid to maintain their lead.
In the second half, Shillong accelerated their pace. Within the first five minutes, Phrangki Buam scored twice, first by guiding in a freekick from Stevenson in the 47th minute and then adding another with a composed finish after a clever through ball two minutes later.
The fourth goal arrived in the 66th minute when Sana turned sharply in the box and slotted the ball past the keeper to complete his brace. Shillong's dominance continued as substitute Treimiki Lamurong curled in a beautiful shot from the edge of the area in the 73rd minute, making it 5-0.
Just before the final whistle, Shillong added a sixth goal. Substitute Deibormame Tongper scored with a composed finish after a late attacking move, rounding off a commanding performance by the team from Meghalaya.
The Malaysian Armed Forces FT struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match, and Shillong maintained high tempo until the end, with additional attempts from Buam and Lamurong being denied by the Malaysian goalkeeper.
On Sunday, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC will face ITBP FT in the first match of the Kokrajhar leg at 3:00 PM at SAI Stadium, while debutant South United Football Club will play against Indian Air Force FT in the second match at 7:00 PM at Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
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