Super Cup 2018: Shillong Lajong beats Pune City in thrilling comeback, books quarter-finals spot

By migrator | Apr 5, 2018, 10:47 IST

BHUBANESWAR, April 5, 2018: Shillong Lajong rallied from a 0-2 deficit to beat FC Pune City 3-2 in a thrilling match and consequently booked a quarter-final spot in the inaugural Super Cup football tournament on Wednesday.

FC Pune City had five overseas players in their staring line-up while Shillong Lajong had four.

The first half of the round of 16 match, played under heavy ground conditions at the Kalinga Stadium, was dominated by the Pune side who led 2-1 at half time.

Jonatan Lucca broke the deadlock to put Pune in the lead via a stunning free-kick 35 yards out in the 17th minute before his captain Marcelinho made it 2-0 five minutes later. Abdoulaye Koffi reduced the margin and pulled one back for Shillong Lajong in the 29th minute as three goals were scored in 12 minutes despite the difficult ground conditions.

 Shillong Lajong made a remarkable recovery in the second half which they dominated. Rakesh Pradhan restored parity in the 61st minute before Samuel Lamuanpuia scored the match-winner in the second minute of the added time. Lajong goalie, Nidhin Lal made crucial saves in the latter half : the first, a header from Lolo in the 55th minute and the second, Diego's long ranger in the 56th minute.

Adding to the woes of the Pune side, their captain Marcelinho was sent off after getting his second yellow card at the fag end of the match.

Shillong Lajong is now set to face Mohun Bagan in the quarterfinal of the Super Cup 2018.

Source: Times of India

Image Courtesy: Goal India

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