Shillong derby in I-league tomorrow

In a first in the history of the I-League, two outfits of Meghalaya, debutants Rangdajied United FC and Shillong Lajong FC, will clash in a derby match here tomorrow.

The local derby comes five years after Lajong FC made it to the top tier League in 2009 while Rangdajied FC earned their spot in the top league this year.

Rangdajied FC had just signed five new players, including international goalkeeper Subrata Paul and central defender Gouramangi Singh.

Rangdajied's Tomba Singh in the midfield will assist Eugeneson in the upfront as Lajong FC will bench defenders Wailadmi and Jibon Singh for yellow cards and red card respectively.

However, Lajong strikers Cornell Glen and Ulliams Silva will try to keep Rangdajied defenders busy in the J N Stadium outing.

Terming the derby as a 'historic event', Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto said the match could be an event to remember in Indian football considering the fact that it happened in the North East.

Rangdajied coach Santosh Kashyap too was excited. "It is a big day for football in Shillong and I hope the derby popularises the game further."

Rangdajied captain Eugeneson Lyngdoh was nostalgic as he played for two seasons in Shillong Lajong during which Rangdajied was in the second division I-League.

"I am emotional ... To play against former teammates," he said but added that he would give his best as a player of his new team.
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