Shillong Lajong vs Tribhuvan Army – Durand Cup 2024 – Match 10

Full Time: Shillong Lajong FC 1-0 Tribhuvan Army FC
Date: August 2, 2024
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
Kick-off Time: 4:00 pm IST
Group: F

Match Overview

Shillong Lajong FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Tribhuvan Army FC in their Durand Cup Group F match. Despite having less possession, SLFC’s solid defense and effective attacking play led them to a crucial win.

Key Moments

First Half:

• 7′: Ryngkhlem scores for SLFC with a well-placed shot, beating several defenders.
• 45′: TAFC maintains 57% possession but fails to capitalize on their chances. SLFC holds 43% possession with 4 out of 8 shots on target.
• 45+2′: The referee signals the end of the first half with SLFC leading 1-0.

Second Half:

• 50′: TAFC begins with a strong attack and a free-kick that almost reaches the net but is saved by the SLFC goalkeeper.
• 55′: SLFC’s Marcos and Buam create multiple chances, but the TAFC goalkeeper manages to keep them out.
• 65′: TAFC improves their game with a series of attacks from the left flank but still struggles with finishing.
• 75′: TAFC holds more possession and shifts play towards the SLFC box, but SLFC’s defense remains strong.
• 90+5′: Figo’s excellent performance on the left flank helps SLFC maintain pressure. The referee signals full-time.

Match Statistics

• Possession: TAFC 57% – 43% SLFC
• Shots on Target: TAFC 2 – 7 SLFC
• Total Shots: TAFC 9 – 16 SLFC
• Corners: TAFC 4 – 6 SLFC
• Yellow Cards: TAFC 1 – 0 SLFC
• Red Cards: TAFC 0 – 0 SLFC

Detailed Breakdown

First Half:

Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) took an early lead through Ryngkhlem in the 7th minute with a well-placed shot, setting a positive tone for the team. Despite having less possession, with 43% compared to Tribhuvan Army FC’s (TAFC) 57%, SLFC was more effective in creating and converting opportunities. Buam and Marcos were key players, constantly pressing the TAFC defense and generating multiple scoring chances. TAFC, while holding more possession, struggled to break through SLFC’s well-organized defense and relied heavily on long-range shots, which were either off-target or easily handled by the SLFC goalkeeper. SLFC’s defensive solidity ensured they went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

Second Half:

The second half saw TAFC starting aggressively, maintaining their higher possession and creating several attacking opportunities, particularly from the left flank. However, their finishing issues persisted, and they were unable to convert their chances into goals. SLFC continued to threaten on counter-attacks, with Marcos and Buam playing significant roles in maintaining offensive pressure. SLFC’s defense remained disciplined and well-organized, effectively neutralizing TAFC’s attempts to equalize. In the final minutes, SLFC made strategic substitutions to bolster their defense and maintain their lead. Despite TAFC’s intensified efforts and increased attacks, SLFC held firm, securing a narrow 1-0 victory.

Conclusion

Shillong Lajong FC’s narrow 1-0 victory over Tribhuvan Army FC highlighted their defensive solidity and effective counter-attacking play. TAFC will need to work on their finishing and make better use of their possession in future matches.