Last-gasp Lajong peg Bagan back

Members of the DSK Shivajians team practice at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Tuesday, the eve of their I-League match against Bengaluru FC.

Mohun Bagan settled for a 2-2 draw against Shillong Lajong after conceding a last-gasp goal to see their title defence slip further in the Hero I-League football, here on Tuesday. This was their third winless match on the trot.

India international Jeje Lalpekhlua, who missed a penalty in Mohun Bagan’s 1-2 loss against East Bengal last Saturday, put the defending champions ahead. Brazilian striker Uilliams Bomfim equa-lised for the home team.

The match was tied 1-1 at half time. Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa put Mohun Bagan ahead in the 77th minute only for Bomfim to score his second goal in the fifth minute of added time to snatch a point for his side.

Bagan remained on top of the standings with 26 points from 14 matches, ahead of Bengaluru FC (25 from 12) and East Bengal (23 from 12). Lajong stayed fourth but improved to 15 points after 13 matches.

Sporting eye full points against Aizawl In Margao, Sporting Clube de Goa will be desperate for full points when they lock horns with Aizawl FC on Wednesday.

Sporting Goa have not won in their last five outings and are now fighting to avoid relegation, as are Aizawl FC.

Sporting coach Maetus Costa said while his team performed well in most of the matches, they lacked in finishing and that resulted in drop in points.

“Now that we have four matches remaining, we need to win them. During the break, we have worked on our mistakes and the boys are now ready to move on and win.”

Sporting’s star striker Odafe Okalie has picked up an injury and is unlikely to play on Wednesday. Instead they have recruited Charles, who will most probably start in his absence.

Meanwhile, DSK Shivajians FC will look to make most of home advantage against Bengaluru in Pune.

Currently on a five-match unbeaten run, DSK Shivajians have been at their best at Balewadi in recent games. Going into the game, both sides — seventh-placed Shivajians (13 points) and second-placed Bengaluru FC — are targeting the maximum to improve their respective positions in the standings.