Shillong, Aug 3: Langsning FC announced their arrival on the national stage in style, registering a commanding 5-0 victory over Mumbay FC in their opening Group E match of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday.
Playing their maiden Durand Cup fixture in front of a home crowd, the Shillong-based side produced a scintillating second-half performance after being held goalless at the break. Syed Ahmed struck twice before Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, Dibormi Chanlang Ki O Kassar and substitute Samuel Phawa added late goals to complete a memorable debut.
Despite the scoreline, Langsning dominated much of the first half but were repeatedly denied by poor finishing and resolute defending. Mumbay FC even had an early goal ruled out for offside before the hosts took control, enjoying the majority of possession and creating numerous chances.
The breakthrough finally came six minutes after the start of the second half. Langsning made their seventh corner count as Syed Ahmed (51’) rose highest to head home an in-swinging delivery and give the hosts a deserved lead.
The opener settled Langsning, who continued to pile pressure on the visitors. Although Samuel Phawa and Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem both squandered good opportunities, the second goal arrived in the 65th minute when Syed Ahmed nodded in his second of the evening after connecting with a perfectly delivered cross.
Mumbay FC’s best opportunity came through Afzar Noorani, whose powerful long-range effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Rajat Paul Lyngdoh.
Langsning, however, finished the contest in devastating fashion.
Kyrmenskhem Mukhim made it 3-0 in the 89th minute with a composed finish before Dibormi Chanlang Ki O Kassar (90+4’) produced one of the standout moments of the match in stoppage time, curling a superb left-footed effort into the top corner for the fourth goal.
Substitute Samuel Phawa (90+5’) completed the rout moments later with a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area to cap an outstanding evening for the tournament debutants.
The statistics reflected Langsning’s dominance throughout the contest. The Meghalaya side finished with 25 attempts on goal, including 12 on target, while restricting Mumbay FC to just five shots, only two of which required a save.
The comprehensive victory gives Langsning a dream start to their maiden Durand Cup campaign and puts them in a strong position in Group E as they look to build on an impressive opening performance.
