Shillong Lajong reach Durand Cup quarterfinals after thrilling 3-3 draw with Langsning FC

Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Langsning FC in a Group E encounter on Thursday.

The point was sufficient for Shillong Lajong to top the group standings with seven points, despite a spirited effort from Langsning FC, who finished second in the section on five points.

Joao Vitor de Paula Morais (Jota) scored twice for Shillong Lajong on either side of the half-hour mark, before Everbrighton Sana added a third late in the match.

Langsning FC staged a determined comeback, finding the net through Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem, and Syed Ahmed, who equalised deep into second-half injury time.

The outcome also confirmed quarterfinal spots for East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC as the two best second-placed teams in the competition, owing to a superior goal difference.

Shillong Lajong asserted themselves within the opening 30 seconds, earning an early free kick that Phrangki Buam delivered dangerously into the area, only for the Langsning defence to clear.

Opportunities continued to be created at both ends throughout the match.

Bodoland FC Miss Out on Knockouts Despite Resounding Victory

In Guwahati, local talent and former India international Halicharan Narzary delivered an outstanding individual performance for Bodoland FC, scoring four goals and creating two others in a 6-0 rout of local rivals Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in their final Group F match.

Narzary scored twice in each half, while Kaushik Daimari and Gwgwmsar Gayary also added second-half goals to seal a dominant victory for Bodoland FC.

However, despite the emphatic win and accumulating six points from three matches, Bodoland FC failed to advance to the quarterfinals as one of the best second-placed teams, as East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC also finished on six points but held superior goal differences.

Meanwhile, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC finished their campaign without registering a point for a second consecutive season.

Lawmsangzuala's Hat-Trick Propels Jamshedpur FC

In Ranchi, an explosive second-half display featuring a 25-minute hat-trick from 17-year-old Lawmsangzuala and an impressive playmaking performance by Aman C.K. drove Jamshedpur FC to a 6-0 win over Indian Air Force FT in their final Group C fixture.

Raynier Fernandes opened the scoring for the Red Miners in the fourth minute before Lawmsangzuala struck twice after the interval. Aman C.K. scored Jamshedpur's fourth before Lawmsangzuala completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute.

Rayan C. added the sixth goal to cap a commanding performance.

The victory positioned Jamshedpur FC favourably as the second-best runner-up in the tournament, with their place in the quarter-finals set to be formally confirmed following the conclusion of the final group match later in the evening.

PTI