I-League: Lajong stun defending champions Minerva

Chandigarh: Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC were stunned 0-1 by Shillong Lajong FC in an I-League encounter at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium here on Friday.

Lajong, who are placed at the bottom of the points table, have lodged only their second win of the season with this result.

Super-sub Naorem Mahesh Singh scored the winning goal for Lajong in the 84th minute.

This is the eighth consecutive game for the defending champions where they haven't been able to secure a win for themselves in this season.

Lajong goalkeeper Phurba Tempa Lachenpa was adjudged the Hero of the Match.

Minerva, who haven't been able to secure a win for themselves in their last seven encounters, were visibly desperately looking for three points.

As a result, they kicked-off with an attacking intent and that showed clearly in their game as they were constantly pressing the young Shillong Lajong FC at short intervals.

The hosts, who made some interesting moves through both sides of the flank, couldn't really find success partly due to lack of a good finish, and partly due to the observant and strong defence line of Lajong.

Minerva, however, managed to break into the opposition box a few times, but couldn't make the most of all the opportunities that they were presented with.

On the other hand, while Shillong made a limited number of moves but their attacks were more organised.

However, their problems were similar to Minerva - lack of a good finish.

Lajong, however, got very close to taking the lead when an attempt from Khongsit from inside the box into the Minerva goal was beautifully defended by the hosts in the 31st minute.

This was the closest chance that came by for the visitors who otherwise couldn't really create any clear chance to score. The first half came to an end with both sides unable to break the deadlock.