Rangdajied United FC qualified for the I-League for the first time in their 26-year history, outplaying promoted Mohammedan Sporting 3-1 in their all-important I-League Second Division clash at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday. "
With their crucial victory, Rangdajied emerged the table toppers after logging 19 points from 10 matches while Sporting finished second with 18 from their quota of 10 games.
Charles Dzisah’s own goal in the fifth minute and two well executed goals from skipper Restom Khriam (45th) and Korean striker Shin Hujon (86th) were the reasons behind Rangdajied’s elevation to top tier. Jerry Zersingha’s header in the 84th minute was Sporting’s only goal.
The Shillong club was cheered on by their army of supporters and coach Khlain Pyrkhasyiemlieh was thrilled with the result of the match.
“We are very happy that we will be competing in the first division. Our aim was to be in the I-League (proper) and we have achieved that, so it’s a great feeling,’’ he added.
Khlain was also forthright about the strategies they would need to adopt when they slug it out in their maiden I-League season. “We will have to review our entire team composition and strengthen our forwardline, midfield and defence as the level of football will be different,’’ the 33-year-old said.
The former Langsning FC player was also grateful to the hordes of fans who turned up on the day.
“Most of them who came to support us are students from Meghalaya who are studying here, I would like to thank them,’’ he added.
Rangdajied, established in 1987 and formerly Arhima FC, will be the second club from the Meghalaya capital after Shillong Lajong FC to feature in the 14-team I-League.
Rangdajied were always in control of the match but they opened the account when Charles netted an own goal. Five minutes into the game Charles’ clearance off a Hujon cross from left deflected past Sporting custodian Somnath Khara for the first goal.
Khriam then gave Rangdajied a firm hold with a brilliant finish off a Babatunde through ball for a 2-0 lead in the 45th minute. Zersingha pulled one back for Sporting with a good header off a Mohammed Muktar corner from left in the 84th minute.
But Hujon sealed the game and promotion two minutes later slamming home after breaking away from a clutch of defenders for Rangdajied’s third goal.
In the second match, Bhawanipore FC beat Mumbai Tigers 5-3 to finish third with 17 points from 10 matches.
Snehashish Dutta (45+1), Jose Barretto (64th), Jagannath Sana (73rd), Abinash (85th) and Hudson Lima Silva (90th) scored for Bhawanipore while Surkumar Singh (37th), Bikash Jairu (81st) and Durga Boro (90+3) netted for the Tigers.
Sunday’s match: Langsning FC vs Southern Samity (3.15 pm).