Shillong Lajong pip Mumbai FC 2-1

Jamshedpur, Sep 19 (IANS) Shillong Lajong got the better of Mumbai FC 2-1 on the opening day of the Federation Cup at the Keenan Stadium here on Wednesday while Pailan Arrows held Dempo to a 1-1 draw.

John Mayongar and Gbeneme Friday scored in either half of the break to secure all three points for Lajong. For Mumbai FC, Ndobusi Opara found the back of the net.

Lajong opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with Mayongar who converted from the spot after a Mumbai FC defender handled the ball inside the 18-yard box. But their lead was negated two minutes later as Ndobusi Opara brought his team back in the game.

Friday headed home from close range to score the winner in the 82nd minute.

Meanwhile, Pailan Arrows held I-League champions Dempo to a 1-1 draw.

Arrows got their reward in the 52nd minute through Holicharan Narzary who placed the ball beautifully from an acute angle after Milan Singh had set him up inside the box.

Dempo replaced Japanese new recruit Ryuji Sueoka with Koko Sakibo immediately after conceding the goal.

A Clifford Miranda brilliance got them level in the 60th minute. The Goan cut past his marker and controlled the ball expertly to slot home a well placed left-footer.

Results: Shillong Lajong 2 (John Mayongar, Gbeneme Friday) beat Mumbai FC 1 (ND Opara); Pailan Arrows 1 (Holicharan Nazarzy) drew with Dempo 1 (Cliffiord Miranda).