Shillong Lajong's Edinho Junior called-up by Portugal Under-19 side

On loan player Edinho Junior of I-League side Shillong Lajong FC has been selected by the Portuguese Football Federation (Federação Portuguesa de Futebol) to play for the Portugal Under-19 side in an U-19 International Tournament in Porto which started yesterday and runs until April 27.

Edinho Junior joined Shillong Lajong FC on loan from English Championship side Blackburn Rovers in March 2013.

Edinho is the son of former Brazilian international footballer Edon do Amaral Neto and he only moved to Blackburn Rovers last year from Portuguese side Olhanense SC. He has been part of the Rovers Reserve side, but hopes to get more playing time with Lajong FC.

The signing of Edinho is the first ever loan move of a footballer from a big international club of Blackburn Rovers' stature to an Indian I-League side.

The 18 year old scored two goals for Shillong Lajong in his debut match against Pune FC last month.

VIDEO: Prayag United 2-0 Shillong Lajong - Goals!

Here is the video footage of the Prayag United goals from their 2-0 victory against Shillong Lajong FC on Friday afternoon at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

VIDEO: Shillong Lajong FC 1-1 ONGC - Highlights!

Here are the match highlights of the Shillong Lajong FC vs ONGC match on April 7, which had ended one-all at the first floodlight match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Lajong FC to host first Floodlight I-League match at Shillong

On Sunday evening the city of Shillong, also called the Edinburgh of the Northeast, will host the Shillong Lajong FC vs ONGC match in the I-League under floodlights at the local Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 5pm.

The match will be the first-ever I-League tie in Shillong to be hosted under floodlights in the early evening.

For Shillong Lajong FC and its legion of fans it hopefully means a new start into a better future with the club hoping for more crowd support against ONGC and the remainder of the I-League season in evening matches.


The tickets for the upcoming home game will be on sale from Thursday onwards and has been priced as follows

'A & B' (Open Gallery) - Rs. 100
'C' (Open Gallery) - Rs. 80
'D1' (Covered Gallery with Chairs) - Rs. 250
'D2' (Covered Gallery without Chairs) - Rs. 150
VIP Section - Rs. 300

VIDEOs: Mohun Bagan 2-2 Shillong Lajongs - Goals!

Mohun Bagan AC were held to a two-all draw by Shillong Lajong FC earlier today in Kalyani. Here videos of all the four goals scored on the day!

Mohun Bagan held to 2-2 draw by Shillong Lajong

Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC were held to a two-all draw by Shillong Lajong FC in a match against relegation of the I-League Round 22 at the Kalyani Stadium this afternoon. The Mariners twice took the lead, but on both occasions the team from the Northeast equalised.

The first session did not see much action as both sides took a defensive approach. Mohun Bagan had the first opportunity in the first quarter that saw Syed Rahim Nabi missing a header from close range, while Lajong FC also had their share of chances. The first attempt, coming in the 37th minute off their young Portuguese striker Edinho Junior, which was tipped over by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Pal. Lajong FC's Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugane missed another sitter when a Mohun Bagan defender failed to clear a midfield floater giving the former an open chance in the 43rd minute.

Mohun Bagan returned with more purpose after the break and found the lead in the 51st minute when Tolgay Ozbey showed his class after being set free by a nice through from his strike partner C.S. Sabeeth. But before the green-and-maroon could settle down, a brilliant swerving shot from Boithang Haokip restored parity.

Mohun Bagan continued to attack and restored the lead through substitute Manish Maithani, who came after the break for Sushant Mathew. The Mohun Bagan midfielder scored from a nice long-ranger on the hour mark renewing the home side's hopes of a win and the necessary three points.

But the doggedness, that marked Shillong Lajong FC's performance in the match, came to the visitors' aid as they found the equaliser yet once again.

P.C. Lahlimthara Mahlima, who replaced Eugeneson Lyngdoh Mawphlang in the 74th minute, nodded home the Lajong goal just three minutes after coming on when his midfield colleague Boithang Haokip set up a fine floater on the Mohun Bagan goalmouth. The match ended two-all.

After the draw Mohun Bagan have 10 points from 17 matches while Lajong FC had 21 from 22 matches with the fight for survival still on for both sides.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Pune FC 2-2 Shillong Lajong - Goals!

Here are the goals scored in Sunday evenings match between Pune FC and Shillong Lajong FC at the Balewadi Stadium. The match had ended two-all with debutants Boima Jerry Karpeh and Edinho Junior scoring both goals for their sides.

VIDEO: Pune FC vs Shillong Lajong Post-Match reactions

After Sunday evenings match between Pune FC and Shillong Lajong FC at the Balewadi Stadium, PFC TV spoke to PFC coach Derrick Pereira and SLFC coach Thangboi Singto about the match.

Lajong Coach Thangboi Singto: Every match is like a Cup match!

Thangboi Singto took over as the Coach of Shillong Lajong FC in January 2013 from Desmond Bulpin with the club stabalizing after a difficult season. Talking to AIFF Media in a freewheeling interview, Singto spoke on the transition in the style of play, the challenges of taking over the reins midway, Ex-Under-19 Portugal striker Edinho Junior, who came on loan from Blackburn Rovers, Lajong's aim and much more.


Since you took over, Shillong Lajong FC's turnaround has been dramatic. What different have you done to the squad?

There is nothing hugely different which I can do. It depends on the quality of players you have. I had my own philosophy and it's the players who are responding and implementing it on the pitch. I insisted on building up from the back and playing possession football as most of our players are technically sound and short in height. At this juncture of the League, you need to stay fit. I reiterate the players have done it, not me. They have responded in style.


Lajong's style of play seems to have changed and there's been a deviation from the long-ball strategy. How difficult was implementing it?

It was not very difficult. Eleven players on the football pitch want to play with the ball - isn't it? My philosophy of building from the back and playing possession football ensures that everyone gets the ball and can move around. This gives each player the confidence as well. Previously, not all used to get the ball as they had to play it long immediately after receiving.

Football is all about making the correct decisions at the correct time. Decision making stays the most important aspect. I am a firm believer in that.


Was it difficult to take up the reins midway?

I'm grateful to the management for showing tremendous faith in me. My association with the club is for long. Since 2008-09 I have been with the club. So I knew the structure and the talent which was available. I knew the areas to be worked upon and was no stranger. Otherwise, it is always very difficult to fit into from mid-season.


How has your new recruit former Under-19 Portugal International Edinho Junior settled in?

I would not like to single out one player as football is a team game. But since you asked, I would say that Edinho (Junior) is an exceptional talent. We are proud that we have him with us on loan from Blackburn Rovers. He is bonding well and has great football expertise. His brace against Pune FC was spectacular.

Other foreigners in my team are good as well. (Sho) Kamimurah also scored two goals on debut against Air India. Besides, Taisuke Matsugae, Minchol (Son) are also very talented.


Do you believe that you are already out of the relegation zone?

Not at all! For us every game is like a Cup final now. I am taking one match at a time. We need to keep working hard and there is no room for slip ups.


Where do you want to finish this season?

The aim was to finish in the top half of the table. But realistically we need to ensure that we play next season. Avoiding the relegation stays the priority at the moment. Ideally, I would want to see my team finish 9th.

SLFC already have a Youth Development Program in place. Tell us about the transition of the players into the senior squad.

'Promotion of Youth', has always stayed the philosophy at Shillong Lajong Football Club. We have seven players in the Senior Team who are U-20 players. That says a lot. I'm sure under the guidance of Mr. (Robert) Baan and Scott (O'Donell) all the clubs, including ours will go in the right direction.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Edinho Junior arrives at Shillong Lajong FC

Former Portuguese junior international Edinho Jr arrived last week in Shillong to join his new club Shillong Lajong FC on loan from English Championship side Blackburn Rovers. Here his first interview to SLFC TV!

Lajong FC's on loan signing Edinho Junior arrives in Shillong

Former Portuguese junior international Edinho Jr arrived in Shillong today to join his new club Shillong Lajong FC on loan from English Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Edinho was welcomed in Shillong by SLFC General Secretary Larsing Ming Sawyan and club coach Thangboi Singto.

Edinho is the son of former Brazilian international footballer Edon do Amaral Neto and he only moved to Blackburn Rovers last year from Portuguese side Olhanense SC. He has been part of the Rovers Reserve side, but hopes to get more playing time with Lajong FC.

The signing of Edinho is the first ever loan move of a footballer from a big international club to an Indian side.

Over the next few days Edinho will train with his new team mates and he could play his first I-League match against Pune FC on March 24 with the match being aired live on Ten Action at 7pm.

117th IFA Shield: Change in Fixtures, Mumbai FC replace Shillong Lajong

The Indian Football Association has released an updated fixtures list for the 117th IFA Shield which will now kick-off a day earlier on March 3, but the date of the final continues to be open due to continental obligations of East Bengal Club and if they make it to the shield semifinals and/or final, then only will those matches be finalised with the final then likely on March 19.

Also Shillong Lajong FC had to opt out of the tournament due to unavoidable circumstances and their place has been taken by another I-League side in Mumbai FC.

In Group A, which will be played in Siliguri, East Bengal Club take on Muktijoddha Sangsad KC from Bangladesh, Mumbai FC and Prayag United SC; while in Group B Mohun Bagan AC, Pune FC, Pailan Arrows and Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica face each other in Kalyani and the Saltlake Stadium.

The tournament winner would receive Rs 2,5 Million (25 lakhs), while the runners-up would get Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs) and the losing semifinalists Rs 500,000 (5 lakhs). In individual prizes, the Man of the Match in the group stage would get Rs 5,000 and the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final Rs 10,000. The Player of the Tournament would receive Rs 25,000 and the Best Coach Rahim Saheb Award would get Rs 100,000 (1 lakh).

NewsTime Bangla is the television partner of the 117th IFA Shield and will be showing numerous matches live.


FIXTURES

Group A - Siliguri
03-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Mumbai FC (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Mumbai FC (2.30pm)
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
08-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC (5.30pm)
09-Mar-2013: Mumbai FC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
11-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)

Group B
04-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pune FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
05-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pailan Arrows (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
07-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Deportivo Saprissa (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group A

Final
1?-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

117th IFA Shield Fixtures are out!

The 117th edition of the IFA Shield will kick-off on March 4 with the date of the final kept open due to continental obligations of East Bengal Club and if they make it to the semifinals and/or final, then only will those matches be fixed with a delayed final likely on March 19.

In Group A, which will be played in Siliguri, East Bengal Club take on Muktijoddha Sangsad KC from Bangladesh, Shillong Lajong FC and Prayag United SC; while in Group B Mohun Bagan AC, Pune FC, Pailan Arrows and Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica face each other in Kalyani and the Saltlake Stadium.

The tournament winner would receive Rs 2,5 Million (25 lakhs), while the runners-up would get Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs) and the losing semifinalists Rs 500,000 (5 lakhs). In individual prizes, the Man of the Match in the group stage would get Rs 5,000 and the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final Rs 10,000. The Player of the Tournament would receive Rs 25,000 and the Best Coach Rahim Saheb Award would get Rs 100,000 (1 lakh).

NewsTime Bangla is the television partner of the 117th IFA Shield and will be showing numerous matches live.


FIXTURES

Group A - Siliguri
04-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Shillong Lajong FC (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
07-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Shillong Lajong FC (2.30pm)
07-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (6.30pm)
09-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC (3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)

Group B
05-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pune FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
06-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pailan Arrows (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Deportivo Saprissa (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group A

Final
1?-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

Blackburn's Edinho joins Shillong Lajong FC on loan

I-League side Shillong Lajong FC have taken Brazilian born, Portuguese footballer Edon Júnior Viegas do Amaral (popularly known as Edinho Júnior) on loan from the English Championship side Blackburn Rovers FC and he will be donning the red of Shillong Lajong.

Edinho will be joining the Shillong-based club on a short-term loan beginning February 16, 2013. He is a Portuguese national of Brazilian origin who moved to Blackburn Rovers from Olhanense SC. The talented 18 year old plays centre-forward and is the son of a former Brazilian international footballer, Edon do Amaral Neto.

Lajong hope the signing of Edinho will add impetus to their campaign for the remainder of the 2012/13 season. It will add an edge to the club's striking options.

Lajong's story and place in Indian football is truly historic. It became the first club from North-East India to have qualified for the I-League, India’s premier football league.

Shillong Lajong FC had been the first-ever Indian football club to have had a strategic stake taken by Anglian Holdings. The Meghalaya-based club boasts of an impressive youth system as well. With an eye to aid in the development of Indian football, Anglian Holdings has also invested in Danish second tier club FC
Vestsjaelland to provide a platform for fledgling Indian football talent to ply their trade in Europe.

Much in the same vein, India-based VH Group, took charge at then English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, now in the Championship, to announce the arrival of the Indian football story on the world stage. The loan move for Edinho signals a consolidated effort to provide a powerful push for the sport in India.

Commenting on this development Balaji Rao, Managing Director of Venky's, says, "We are pleased to be associated with Shillong Lajong FC through the loan of young Edinho. We look forward to opportunities to help develop our players and football in India through strategic partnerships."

Larsing Ming Sawyan, General Secretary Shillong Lajong FC, added, "We are thankful to Blackburn Rovers for providing us with a player of Edinho's quality. He will be an incisive edge to Lajong's forward line and will definitely add to the quality of the game on the field."

Dhruv Ratra, CEO-Sports & Marketing Anglian Holdings, summarized the deal by saying, "This exchange of talent – a first of its kind in Indian football – will set a precedent for future exchanges of knowledge and information which in turn will help drive the game of football forward in India. Edinho is an exciting young player and Indian fans will enjoy his exploits on the field."

VIDEO: Shillong Lajong FC TV - Episode 3

Here the third episode of SLFC TV from I-League side Shillong Lajong FC about the club and their activities. Surely an interesting piece to watch!

VIDEO: Shillong Lajong FC vs United Sikkim FC highlights

Here are the match highlights from the I-League Round 19 encounter Shillong Lajong FC vs United Sikkim FC played on February 2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

A Sunday afternoon at the Saltlake Stadium

Currently I am in Kolkata and on Sunday afternoon I went to the Saltlake Stadium to watch the I-League game between Pailan Arrows and Shillong Lajong FC. I won't talk about the match, which was very scrappy at best but rather write about things around it which I saw and observed.

I thought I was late when I came to the ground around 1.45 pm, but at the time the stadium was close to empty. The good thing was that there was enough security from police and a private agency checking everyone who was coming into the ground or trying to sneak in.

I went up the two floors, but at that time even the press box was just having one colleague inside, so I decided to go across to the VVIP box, where I saw India coach Wim Koevermans standing alone outside.

My thought was simple, watch some I-League football and enjoy a good chit-chat. Wim and I were joined by East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan and his clubs new Australian recruit Andrew Barisic in the VVIP. We did talk a lot, but that remains private then that was and is not intended for the general public.

A few hundred spectators did turn-up for the match and some colleagues did fill the press box before kick-off, but in one of the large venues around the world, the atmosphere simply cannot be created which would push the players to greater heights.

The game was that way, but I at least had an interesting afternoon at the Saltlake Stadium, watching and talking football, while not having to report about it...

Desmond Bulpin no more Shillong Lajong FC coach

61 year old Scotsman Desmond Bulpin is no longer the coach of I-League Shillong Lajong FC, who relieved him of his duties. Assistant Coach Thangboi Singto will take charge as Interim coach with immediate effect and could stay until tne end of the season, if successful.

"Thangboi has been with the team since 2009 and has two and a half seasons of I-League experience besides a stint in the second division in 2010/11 season, when Shillong Lajong qualified again in the I-league. We have faith in his abilities," said SLFC General Secretary Larsing Ming Sawyan.

"The club would like to place in record the valuable contributions of Desmond Bulpin in the Youth Development system of the Club, which we believe will pay dividends in the near future. We thank him for his services and the commitment showed to the Club. We wish him all the best for the future. Our immediate goal is to concentrate on the next two home games and the away game at Salgaocar before the break."

After Sunday's 0-1 loss against Pailan Arrows in the I-League there was a feeling that Lajong could fire Desmond Bulpin and it happened only a couple of days later with the Northeastern club fighting for survival in the league.

VIDEOs: I-League match highlights from Saturday

The 6th edition of the I-League kicked-off yesterday with four matches across the country. Here are the match highlights, especially the goals, from Bengali sports program XtraTime!

Shillong Lajong FC 2-0 Mohun Bagan AC


Pailan Arrows 3-2 Mumbai FC


Dempo SC 2-1 Churchill Brothers SC, United Sikkim FC 3-2 Salgaocar FC

Shillong Lajong FC name squad for I-League

Northeastern I-League club Shillong Lajong FC have named their preliminary 26 players squad for the marathon league which is set to run until end-April 2013. The squad under new Scottish coach Desmond Bulpin looks stronger then last season as the club has been able to bring in quality players.

But not only that Lajong FC has also integrated four of their Academy players into their senior team with defender Samuel Shadap getting a professional contract while the trio of Th. Bipin Singh, Lalrinzualka Khiangte and Jacob Lalrawngbawla will hope to follow in Samuel's footsteps.

Interestingly the team is made-up only of players from India's three Northeastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram plus four foreigners from Africa and North Korea.


SHILLONG LAJONG FC

Goalkeeper
Lalthuammawia Ralte, Sanasam Basant Singh (United Sikkim FC)

Defenders
M. Subhas Singh, Govin Moirangthem Singh (United Sikkim FC), Min-Chol Son (FC Korea, JAPAN), Wailadmi Passah, Rollingson Hungyo (Pune FC), C. Lallawmzuala, Samuel Shadap

Midfielders
Lalchuanmawia, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Chitrasen Chandam Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Samson Ramengmawia, John D. Menyongar, Lalramluaha, P.C. Lahlimthara Mahlima, Potsangbam Renedy Singh, Boithang Haokip, Jibon Singh (Pailan Arrows)

Forwards
Gbeneme Friday (Mumbai FC), Ebi Theophilus Sukore (Mumbai FC), Sushil Kumar Singh, Saikhohau Tuboi (Tiddim Road Athletic Union, Manipur)

Academy Boys
Th. Bipin Singh (Wanghi F.A., Manipur), Lalrinzualka Khiangte, Jacob Lalrawngbawla

Rodingson Sangma
NEW: Th. Bipin Singh (Wanghi F.A., Manipur), N. Rojit Singh (BOSV Betul, Madhya Pradesh)