Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Indian Navy 2-1 and book their place in the Durand Cup semifinals for the second year in a row. The quarterfinal clash, held on Saturday in Shillong, saw the home side overturn a first-half deficit with two second-half strikes.
Indian Navy drew first blood in the 37th minute through Vijay Marandi. A long goal-kick from Bhaskar Roy was controlled by Roshan Panna, who set up Marandi inside the box.
The forward showed brilliant composure, skipping past the goalkeeper and defenders before slotting the ball home via a deflection.
Both sides had their goalkeepers to thank before halftime.
Shillong’s Siwel Rymbai produced a sharp save to deny Sreyas V.G’s header, while Roy stretched full length to keep out Gladdy Kharbuli’s attempt at the other end.
After the break, Lajong pressed hard for an equaliser but were frustrated by a disciplined Navy defence.
Everbrightson Sana rattled the crossbar with a header, and Sheen Stevenson missed a golden opportunity when he nodded over from close range.
The breakthrough came in the 69th minute, albeit in dramatic fashion.
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Damaitphang Lyngdoh’s curling cross from the left sailed past everyone and kissed the far post before nestling into the net, sending the home fans into raptures.
Ten minutes later, Everbrightson Sana turned the game on its head. The 20-year-old striker was brought down by Novin Gurung after a clever turn inside the box.
Sana made no mistake from the spot, calmly beating Roy to give Lajong a 2-1 lead.
The hosts absorbed late pressure from the Navy side and held firm to seal their third Durand Cup semifinal appearance in history.
