Lajong surprises Sporting in I-League

Panaji: Shillong Lajong surprised Sporting Clube de Goa with a solitary goal win to register their first

victory in the I-League championship here today. Lajong, who suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of JCT in their opening match, scored an all important goal in the 16th minute through Boithang Haokic from a free kick at the Tilak Ground, Vasco. The visitors now have three points from a win and defeat, while Sporting, whose opening match against Air-India was washed out, were yet to open their account. The hosts got off to a good start as they controlled the proceedings for a major part of the match but failed to cash on the opportunities that came their way. They had an early chance to surge ahead in the sixth minute but Anthony D`souza squandered it. Anthony was in the thick of the action again but this time he failed to guide the ball on target from inside the box. Meanwhile, Lajong played with determination to surprise their famed rivals in the 16th minute, when Boithang Haokic guided the ball into the net from a free kick. The free kick was awarded after keeper Gerald stepped out of the box while collecting an aerial ball. Sporting continued to dictate terms in the second half as well but failed to find an opening as they were frustrated by their rivals who closed the gaps packing more men in the defence. Bureau Report