IMPHAL, August 26: In a visible change from the first match of the NE Super Series featuring the Wellington Phoenix of New Zealand, the second match played at the Khuman Lampak main stadium saw more than 15 thousand turning up to watch the match.
The match played between the Australian A League team and Shillong Lajong FC entertained the spectators fully though the local favourite Shillong Lajong FC lost by 2-5.
Even though World Cupper Jeremy Brockie scored four of his teams five goals, considering the loud and collective cheers echoing in the stadium whenever Jr No 10 John D Menyongar of Lajong had ball possession, it is obvious that the latter is the favourite of the spectators.
The first half saw Wellington Phoenix score two goals.
The New Zealand team scored another in the 60th minute to lead the match by 3-0, however two successive goals from Lajong increased the momentum of the match entirely.
Lajong’s two goals was scored by Friday Gbenene in the 74th and 84th minute.
After the two Lajong goals, Wellington Phoenix changed its game strategy and seemed to have some pressure.
Just before the end of the match, the New Zealand team added two more goals to end the match at 5-2.
Wellington Phoenix will play in the final the winner of the Shillong Lajong against Sikkim United which will be played on August 28 at the Shillong. The final will be played on September 1.