Shillong, August 6: Langsning FC produced a spirited second-half comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and hold Nongkseh SS&CC to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Group E encounter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at a packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Thursday.
Nongkseh appeared to be heading towards victory after Shano Tariang and captain Hardy Nongbri struck in the first half to give them a commanding 2-0 lead. However, Langsning responded immediately after the break, with Mebanshngain Kurkalang and Syed Ahmed scoring within two minutes of each other to restore parity.
Langsning started strongly and repeatedly troubled Nongkseh with energetic pressing, long balls and long throws. Their first major chance came in the 17th minute when Nongkseh goalkeeper Guidle Syiemlieh was caught off his line, but Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw produced an excellent goal-line clearance.
Two minutes later, Syed Ahmed curled a powerful effort into the top corner from distance, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nongkseh then punished Langsning in the 29th minute. A misplaced midfield pass triggered a quick counter-attack and Shano Tariang calmly finished past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
The visitors doubled their advantage nine minutes later following a goalkeeping error. Rajat Paul Lyngdoh failed to gather a loose ball near the byline, allowing Nongkseh to capitalise, with captain Hardy Nongbri eventually rolling the ball into an empty net.
Nongkseh preserved their 2-0 advantage until half-time after Chesterpoul Lyngdoh made another crucial goal-line clearance in the 39th minute.
Langsning returned transformed after the break and pulled one back in the 48th minute. A trademark long throw from Chusrang C created confusion in the penalty area before Mebanshngain Kurkalang rose highest to send a looping header beyond the goalkeeper.
Just two minutes later, the hosts completed the comeback. Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem delivered a cross into the box and Syed Ahmed timed his run perfectly before powering a header into the net to make it 2-2.
The quickfire goals turned the match into an end-to-end contest as both sides pushed for a winner. Nongkseh nearly snatched all three points deep into stoppage time, but Hardy Nongbri’s header went narrowly wide.
Neither side could find the decisive goal, leaving them to share the points after an entertaining 2-2 Shillong derbymarked by attacking football and strong fighting spirit from both teams.
