Pawan Kumar's late penalty saving heroics and Gbilee's profligacy in front of goal meant that Lajong failed to garner full points from a match they dominated.
Shillong Lajong and Air India played out an eventful draw at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal.
The home side looked to seize complete control of the match from the word go and did not allow the Airmen to settle into the game. With chances galore for Lajong, it was only the profligacy in front of the goal by the Lajong forwards that meant that the match was goal less.
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| James Gbilee of Lajong FC controlling the ball in the striking zone of Airmen's side _______________________________________________________ |
In the first half, James Gbilee had a glorious opportunity to put his name on the scoresheet after being unmarked in the box for the first time, but the crossbar denied him the goal with the goalkeeper being beaten. At the fag end of the half Chizoba demonstrated an exquisite bit of skill, dribbling effortlessly past the Air India defense but his shot left a lot to be desired, as it was straight to the goalkeeper.
In the second half, probably spurred on by their tremendous first half performance, Lajong looked to be searching doubly hard for that all elusive goal. The Air India defense held firm though.
James Gbilee now turned provider and set up John Menyongar but the post again came in Lajong’s way and another sure goal was spurned. Gbilee himself had two chances when he was inside the box with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the ball did not sit down for him to take his shot.
The mighty impressive Gbilee who did everything save find the back of the net again shot wide twice doing all the hard work but his shots sailing wide.
But there was late drama when a deliberate handball from an Air India defender in the box meant the referee had no hesitation to award a penalty for Lajong. Surely Lajong had won the match. Aibor Khongjee stepped up calmly to take the spot-kick but Pawan Kumar became the unlikely hero when he dived spectacularly to the left and held on to the ball.
Lajong will certainly be disappointed with failing to capture a full three points while Air India will gleefully take a point.
(Goal.Com)
(Goal.Com)
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