Thrilling 3‑3 deadlock propels Shilong Lazong FC into Durand Cup quarters

Shilong Lazong FC booked a quarter‑final place in the 135th Durand Cup after a pulsating 3‑3 draw with Langsning FC in Group E. The result left Lazong on seven points, comfortably atop the table, while Langsning settled for five points in second.

Jota delivered a brace, scoring before the break and again after the restart, with Everbrightan Sanaa completing the three‑goal haul for Lazong. Langsning’s goals were supplied by Khairmenkhem Mukhim, Wadazid Kinsai Ringkhelm and a stoppage‑time header from Syed Ahmed.

The opening phases saw a free‑kick from Frangi Buam create a near‑miss for Langsning, but Lazong’s defence held firm. Jota’s first goal sprang from a defensive mis‑communication in the 25th minute; four minutes later Sanaa’s clever back‑heel pass unlocked Jota for a second strike.

Langsning answered with a Mukhim header in the 49th minute and kept pressing, eventually finding Ahmed who levelled the scores in added time of the second half. Lazong’s captain Kennstar Kharsong restored the lead with a header from a Sanaa cross in the 82nd minute, only for Ahmed to equalise again moments later.

The two‑point draw cemented Lazong’s quarter‑final ticket and also ensured the best second‑placed sides – East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC – advanced to the knockout stage.