In a pulsating I-League match on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Rajasthan United FC battled against 10-man Shillong Lajong FC, resulting in a remarkable 4-4 draw at the SSA Stadium in Lajong. The match showcased a display of skill, determination, and dramatic turnarounds, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
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The Early Exchanges:
Rajasthan United FC took an early lead in the 12th minute when Naoba Meitei capitalized on a defensive error by Lajong goalkeeper Bishal Lama. However, Lajong quickly responded, equalizing in the 25th minute through Kynsaibor Lhuid’s well-taken header off a cross from Kynsailang Khongsit.
Lajong’s Moment of Opportunity:
As the first half neared its end, Lajong seized the lead with Douglas Rosa Tardin converting a penalty awarded after a foul on him inside the box by Rajasthan defender Jefferson de Oliveira. This gave Lajong a 2-1 advantage heading into halftime.
Lajong Reduced to Ten Men:
The second half saw a pivotal moment as Lajong’s Allen Camper Lyngdoh was shown a red card in the 49th minute, reducing his team to 10 men. Despite the setback, Lajong maintained their attacking intent.
Rajasthan’s Fightback:
Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Rajasthan United FC leveled the score at 2-2 just two minutes later. Ragav Gupta’s powerful free-kick beat the Lajong goalkeeper, breathing new life into the contest.
Lajong’s Resilience:
Undeterred by the setback, Lajong continued to push forward and regained the lead in the 80th minute through Daniel Goncalves’ header off a precise free-kick delivery from Hardy Cliff Nongbri. Phrangki Buam extended Lajong’s lead further, putting them ahead 4-2.
Rajasthan’s Late Surge:
With time running out, Rajasthan United FC mounted a remarkable comeback. Richardson Kwaku Denzell’s sensational solo effort saw him dribble past several defenders before scoring, reducing the deficit to 4-3. In the dying moments of the match, Lalchungnunga Chhangte’s powerful strike from distance found the back of the net, securing a dramatic 4-4 draw for Rajasthan United FC.
Post-Match Analysis:
The thrilling encounter showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of both teams. Despite trailing by two goals late in the match, Rajasthan United FC staged a remarkable comeback to salvage a point. On the other hand, Shillong Lajong FC exhibited determination and attacking prowess despite being reduced to 10 men.
Conclusion:
The match between Rajasthan United FC and Shillong Lajong FC was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of football. With both teams showcasing their attacking flair and resilience, the thrilling 4-4 draw left fans captivated until the final whistle.
Shillong Lajong FC Starting XI
BISHAL LAMA (GK), RONNEY WILLSON KHARBUDON, KYNSAILANG KHONGSIT, HARDY CLIFF NONGBRI, PHRANGKI BUAM, DANIEL GONCALVES, KYNSAIBOR LHUID, ALLEN CAMPER LYNGDOH NONGBRI, MARCOS RUDWERE GENAR E SILVA, DOUGLAS ROSA TARDIN, RENAN PAULINO DE SOUZA (C)
Rajasthan United FC
SACHIN JHA (GK), SURAJ JEET SINGH NEGI, BANPYNKHRAWNAM NONGKHLAW, VANLALZAHAWMA, RAGAV GUPTA, WILLIAM PAULIANKHUM, NOVIN GURUNG, YASH TRIPATHI, RICHARDSON KWAKU DENZELL, JEFFERSON DE’OLIVEIRA (C), PANGAMBAM NAOBA MEITEI
