Shillong Lajong FC strengthened their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Indian Oil Durand Cup with a resounding 5-0 victory over Mumbay FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. Everbrightson Sana scored twice, while Abhay Gurung, Tremiki Lamurong, and Figo Syndai also found the net as the hosts produced a dominant display in front of a lively home crowd.
The emphatic victory moved Shillong Lajong to the top of Group E with six points from two matches. Langsning FC are second with four points, followed by Nongkseh SS&CC on one point, while Mumbay FC remain at the bottom without a point from their opening two outings. Shillong Lajong began aggressively, with Phrangki Buam and Jota repeatedly threatening down the flanks.
Mumbay struggled to cope with Lajong’s pressing and had to rely heavily on goalkeeper Yasheel Manish Shah. He denied Sana’s low effort in the 16th minute before producing an excellent goal-line save to keep out Pangaro’s close-range attempt nine minutes later. Lajong continued to dominate, with Lamlallian testing Yasheel from distance in the 36th minute. Mumbay briefly threatened through Mohammad Kaif Khan, who headed over from a Rohit Mirza free-kick.
The visitors’ situation worsened just before half-time when captain and defensive mainstay Ahmed Faiz Khan was stretchered off after twisting his ankle while clearing the ball in the 45th minute. Lajong immediately capitalised on the disruption. Two minutes later, Joedson Dos Santos’ free-kick found Sana, whose header was saved by Yasheel, but Gurung reacted quickest to score from the rebound. Barely 90 seconds later, Tremiki doubled the advantage, collecting the ball inside the box, evading his marker, and calmly slotting the ball past Yasheel.
Lajong resumed the second half with the same intensity. After Gurung narrowly missed an early opportunity, the hosts scored their third in the 52nd minute. Tremiki turned provider, splitting the Mumbay defence for Sana to unleash a first-time finish into the top corner. Sana celebrated with Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siuuu’ celebration, prompting a loud response from the home supporters. Mumbay attempted to fight back, with Afzar Noorani curling an effort narrowly over in the 56th minute. However, their hopes were effectively ended in the 64th minute when a poor touch by Dhruvmil Pandya surrendered possession. Sana pounced, drove into the box, and finished clinically to complete his brace and make it 4-0.
Yasheel made further saves to deny Kharshong and Joedson, but could do little to prevent Lajong’s fifth goal in the 88th minute. Substitute Manbhakupar Iawphniaw’s cross caused confusion inside the box, and, after Abhay Chhetri’s attempted clearance, substitute Figo Syndai headed home to complete a comprehensive victory. The result leaves Shillong Lajong firmly in control of Group E, while Mumbay FC face an uphill task to revive their campaign.
