Shillong, August 9: Langsning FC have made an impressive start to their maiden IndianOil Durand Cup campaign, remaining unbeaten after their opening two matches and emerging as strong contenders in Group E of the 135th edition of the tournament.
The Shillong-based side announced their arrival on the big stage with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Mumbay FC, before producing a spirited comeback from two goals down to hold local rivals Nongkseh SS&CC to a 2-2 draw in the Shillong Derby.
Against Mumbay FC, Langsning controlled much of the opening half but were unable to break the deadlock. Head coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh said the players had initially moved away from the team’s plan, but after addressing the issue at half-time, they returned with a dominant performance.
Six minutes after the restart, Syed Ahmed headed home from a corner to score Langsning’s first-ever Durand Cup goal. Ahmed struck again before Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, Dibormi Chanlang Ki O Kassar and Samuel Phawa added their names to the scoresheet to complete the 5-0 rout.
Ahmed, who scored twice in the victory, expressed delight at making an impact in his first Durand Cup and said he hoped to score more goals and help Langsning qualify for the next stage.
Langsning’s campaign has also highlighted the club’s young talent. Coach Syiemlieh said the squad has an average age of around 24, with five or six players below 20 years of age. Among them is 18-year-old Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, who scored on his Durand Cup debut and expressed his ambition to eventually play for a major club and represent India.
The team’s character was tested in their second Group E fixture against Nongkseh SS&CC. Despite Langsning starting strongly, Nongkseh took a 2-0 first-half lead through Shano Tariang and captain Hardy Nongbri.
Langsning, however, produced a remarkable response immediately after the interval. Mebanshngain Kurkalang headed home from a long throw to reduce the deficit before Ahmed struck with another header barely two minutes later to level the match at 2-2. Neither side could find a winner, but the comeback ensured Langsning maintained their unbeaten start.
Coach Syiemlieh, who previously guided Bodoland FC to the Durand Cup quarter-finals, said the team’s objective remains to reach the next stage despite the excitement surrounding their impressive start.
After two matches, Langsning FC have four points, seven goals scored and remain unbeaten, keeping themselves firmly in contention as Group E enters a crucial phase.
The debutants now face another major test with a meeting against Shillong Lajong FC still to come, with their hopes of securing a place in the Durand Cup quarter-finals very much alive.
