North East Lajong Super Series: Lajong surprise Wellington Phoenix, win Series!

Shillong Lajong FC are champions of the North East Lajong Super Series Cup after scoring a surprise 3-2 upset victory against Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix from New Zealand in the finals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong this afternoon.

Wellington Phoenix went into the final infront of a large crowd in Shillong as the overwhelming favourites to win the final after a 3-0 win against United Sikkim FC and a 5-2 against Shillong Lajong FC in the round robin group stage.

The Kiwis had the perfect start as inform striker Jeremy Brockie gave them a 5th minute lead, but complacency allowed Lajong two quick goals within 5 minutes from Gbeneme Friday to turn things around for the local side. It stayed 2-1 for Lajong at the break.

Now it was a battle royale for the title with high voltage and high class football. Wellington Phoenix were not beaten yet as Paul Ifill equalised from the spot in the 63rd minute after a hand-ball from international Govin Singh.

The match seemed heading for extra-time when Boithang Haokip six minutes from time scored the winner for Shillong Lajong FC with their fans erupting in joy then many did not expect Lajong to beat their more mature rivals from Down Under.

North East Lajong Super Series - Fixtures

August 24: United Sikkim FC 0-3 Wellington Phoenix FC (Imphal, Manipur)
August 26: Shillong Lajong FC 2-5 Wellington Phoenix FC (Imphal, Manipur)
August 30: Shillong Lajong FC 3-0 United Sikkim FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)
September 1 - Final: Wellington Phoenix FC 2-3 Shillong Lajong FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)