Synopsis
Rajasthan United FC's 4-0 victory over Shillong Lajong at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium has severely affected Shillong's title hopes. Goals from Thapa, Raina, Manchong, and Bhumij sealed the fate, pushing Rajasthan to fifth place in the league standings.Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan United scores a decisive victory.
- Shillong Lajong struggles to mount a challenge.
- Rajasthan avenges earlier 0-8 loss.
- Critical implications for Lajong's title hopes.
- Rajasthan returns to form after two defeats.
Jaipur, March 16 (NationPress) Rajasthan United FC dealt a significant setback to Shillong Lajong’s fading I-League title ambitions with a decisive 4-0 victory during the I-League match held at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts celebrated with goals from Abhash Thapa (45+2’), Martand Raina (50’), Seiminmang Manchong (54’), and Pranjal Bhumij (76’).
Entering the match, Shillong Lajong clung to slim hopes of winning the title, lagging behind league leaders Churchill Brothers by eight points. After a disheartening 1-6 loss against Churchill Brothers in their last match, a strong performance was essential.
Unfortunately, Lajong’s display was lackluster, overshadowed by their recent defeat. They struggled to pose any real threat to Rajasthan’s defense, appearing disorganized and ineffective in both offense and defense.
This loss has serious repercussions for Lajong’s league position, placing them in seventh place with 26 points from 19 matches. Their title chances are severely diminished, now dependent on other teams’ results to maintain even a theoretical shot at the lead.
In contrast, Rajasthan United bounced back from two consecutive defeats. This victory not only restored their confidence but also improved their standing in the league, moving them up to fifth place with 27 points from 19 matches. The hosts also avenged their 0-8 defeat to Lajong in the first leg, keeping alive their mathematical chances for the league title.
Initially, the match started cautiously, with both teams wary of conceding an early goal. However, as the game unfolded, Rajasthan United gradually took control, effectively dismantling Lajong’s defense with accurate and persistent attacks.
The breakthrough for Rajasthan came in stoppage time of the first half as Thapa netted the opening goal. Manchong set up the play with a brilliant pass between Lajong’s defenders. Thapa made a perfectly timed run to slot the ball past the advancing Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar.
Rajasthan scored their next two goals from set-pieces shortly after the second half commenced. Captain Alain Oyarzun delivered two corner kicks, and both Raina and Manchong rose above the defenders to score.
Rajasthan compounded Lajong’s misery in the 76th minute when substitute Bhumij controlled a long ball and scored past the hapless Sarkar, sealing a comprehensive victory for his team.
