Shillong, February 8: Shillong Lajong rode Ronney Wilson’s brace to create a stir in the I-League 2024-25 as they edged past the high-flying Namdhari FC 3-2 in a dramatic match at the SSA Stadium, on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Lajong’s victory, which also saw an early strike from Figo Syndai, effectively snapped Namdhari’s impressive nine-game unbeaten streak. Despite efforts from Francis Addo, who also scored twice for Namdhari, the hosts managed to avenge their 5-2 defeat to the same opponents earlier in the season.
Namdhari FC, positioned second in the league, were favourites heading into the game, having only suffered two losses prior to this encounter. Their last defeat was against Dempo SC on December 3.
In contrast, Lajong had suffered a loss to Real Kashmir in their last match but showed no signs of intimidation. They took the game to Namdhari with confidence and determination and the win pushed them to the sixth spot in the standings with 19 points from 13 matches. Namdhari failed to leapfrog Churchill Brothers to the top spot and are second with 24 points from 13 matches.
The match commenced with high intensity as Lajong seized the early advantage and stunned the visitors with a spectacular goal. Just seven minutes into the game, Damaitphang Lyngdoh’s masterful pass found Figo Syndai, who fired a precise shot into the top corner of the near post.
Lajong controlled much of the first half, with their midfield trio of Lyngdoh, Syndai, and Hardy Cliff Nongbri effectively breaking down Namdhari’s defence with swift and intelligent passing.
Despite creating several clear-cut chances, Lajong forwards failed to capitalise, leaving the score at a precarious 1-0. Near-misses included a Kenstar Kharshong’s cross, which Phrangki Buam couldn’t convert, and Douglas Tardin’s shot, which was superbly saved by Namdhari goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh from point-blank range.
Namdhari, absorbing pressure for most of the first half, found their rhythm towards the break. They equalised through Francis Addo, who met Sukhandeep Singh’s pinpoint free-kick with a powerful header that left the Lajong goalkeeper with no chance.
The second half saw Lajong reassert their dominance. In the 60th minute, Wilson rose to meet a well-delivered free-kick with a header that slipped past Jaspreet Singh despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it. Lajong extended their lead 10 minutes later through another Wilson header, capitalising on a goalkeeping error and defensive mix-up from a corner.
Namdhari FC mounted a late comeback, with Addo scoring his second of the match to reduce the deficit. However, the Ghanaian’s strike, following a corner in the dying moments of the game, was too late to change the outcome of the match.
With this victory, Lajong will now look forward to their next home match against Sreenidi Deccan FC on Friday, February 14 at 7 pm in SSA Stadium, Polo.
