I-League 2024-25: Haokip’s Double Leads Namdhari FC to 5-2 Win Over Shillong Lajong
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Synopsis
In a thrilling I-League 2024-25 match on January 25, Namdhari FC triumphed over Shillong Lajong FC with a stunning 5-2 scoreline, thanks to Peter Haokip's standout performance. The hosts showcased their strength with goals from multiple players, maintaining their unbeaten streak.
Key Takeaways
- Namdhari FC continued their strong form with a 5-2 victory.
- Peter Haokip scored two goals in the match.
- Namdhari FC is temporarily at the top of the league standings.
- Shillong Lajong's Douglas Tardin remains the league's top-scorer.
- The match featured thrilling moments and multiple goals.
Ludhiana, Jan 25 (NationPress) Fueled by Peter Haokip's brace, the impressive form of Namdhari FC continued as they dominated Shillong Lajong FC with a 5-2 victory in a thrilling I-League 2024-25 clash at Namdhari Stadium on Saturday.
The Brazilian duo of Vicente De Paula Mercedes and Cledson Carvalho da Silva, along with Bhupinder Singh, added to the score as the hosts celebrated their fourth consecutive win, extending their unbeaten streak to seven games. Douglas Tardin and Figo Syndai found the net for the visitors.
This victory propelled Namdhari FC to the top of the league standings with 20 points from 10 games, albeit momentarily, while Lajong settled in the fifth position with 13 points from the same number of matches.
The match kicked off with Shillong Lajong taking an early lead. Just eight minutes in, Lajong's captain Hardy Nongbri made a quick dash down the right, deftly bypassing a defender to assist Tardin. Positioned perfectly, the Brazilian showcased his composure by neatly placing the ball into the net, marking his tenth goal of the season.
However, this lead ignited a response from Namdhari, who quickly turned the tide. In the 22nd minute, a foul by Ronney Wilson on Cledson Carvalho da Silva led to a penalty, which Vicente De Paula Mercedes confidently converted, sending the ball past Lajong goalkeeper Manas Dubey.
With the equalizer, Namdhari increased their attacking efforts, forcing Dubey into action multiple times, including a remarkable double save from da Silva. Despite Dubey's efforts, Namdhari took the lead in the 26th minute, courtesy of da Silva connecting with Bhupinder Singh's precise cross, marking his sixth goal of the tournament.
The second half saw Namdhari maintain their momentum, quickly extending their lead in the 48th minute. An error from Dubey allowed Peter Haokip to capitalize on a cross from Manvir Singh, with Dubey mishandling the shot as it rolled into the net.
Namdhari further solidified their lead in the 62nd minute when Bhupinder Singh expertly controlled a cross and lobbed the ball over the advancing Dubey.
Lajong managed to score again in the 74th minute when a cross from Kynsailang Khongsit caused confusion in the Namdhari box, allowing Figo Syndai to net one amidst the chaos. However, Namdhari's offensive strength shone once more in the 84th minute. Jaskaranpreet Singh skillfully bypassed Lajong's defense and assisted Haokip for a simple finish, completing his brace and securing a commanding 5-2 victory.
