SHILLONG: One of the popular football clubs of Northeast India, the Shillong Lajong FC has confirmed its berth in the Hero I-League from the ongoing Hero 2nd Division League season. The home team beat FC Bengaluru United in the SSA Stadium of Shilong on Sunday.
Winning the match by a 2: 1 score at full time, Shillong Lajong has their final round tally to seven points from four games marking their return to the Hero I-League after a gap of 4 years after being relegated for finishing at the bottom of the table in the 2018-19 season. Some of the teams that they had to beat to reach the group stage included Downtown Heroes, Corbett and United Chirang Duar. And they were put alongside United SC, East Bengal Reserves and The Diamond Rock FA, out of which Shillong Lajong managed to finish second and qualified for the Final Round.
The 1:5 loss against Ambernath United Atlantaput the team in a do-or-die situation in the Sunday match. Everbrightson Mylliempdah managed to give a goal before halftime which was levelled by a Kongbrailatpam Manjit Sharma’s goal soon after the start of the second half. Figo Syndai's header finally took the Shillong Lajong team to a win in the match.
This team has been the torch-bearers of the northeast Indian region in the Hero I-Leagues. It was the first side from the region to be promoted to the top division in 2009-10. With Shillong Lajong’s return, the next season will see four teams from Northeast India. These include Aizawl FC, NEROCA FC, TRAU FC and Shillong Lajong FC.
As per the current listing on the points table, Hero 2nd Division League, Bengaluru United and United SC are already out of the race. Delhi FC will be facing Ambernath United Atlanta in a crucial match this coming Friday. This match will determine which will be the second team to make it to the next level. Even a draw will be enough for Ambernath United Atlanta, but Delhi FC will need a win in the match to move ahead.
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