DFC win debut home game at new Mahilpur stadium

A houseful of spectators couldn’t have asked for a better debut at the newly-built Mahilpur Football Stadium as the hosts Delhi FC recorded a 3-1 win over Shillong Lajong FC to jump to the fifth spot on the I-League points table.

Delhi FC’s solid performance brought back memories of the good old days for the football lovers of Mahilpur. The match was DFC’s first home game of the season and saw the side face off against a formidable side, which scored eight goals against Rajasthan United in one of their previous matches.

However, DFC were undaunted by the challenge and came out with a clear mission of making this historic day memorable. DFC started with a positive intent and took the lead in the 8th minute after Vanlalhriatzuala K scored with an inch-perfect finish following a chaotic moment in the box. The crowd erupted in joy and the sound of drums echoed around the stadium.

However, a defensive error allowed Lajong to find the equaliser in the 34th minute, with Phrangki Buam scoring with a header.

After the half-time, Lajong tried to change their tactics and started playing a more attacking game. However, the strikers failed to find the back of the net and pressure started mounting on their defenders. Stephane Binong took advantage and put DFC ahead in the 54th minute. It was his fifth goal of the season. In the 63rd minute, substitute Himanshu Jangra also added his name to the scorers’ list to make it 3-1.

In the 80th minute, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, a former India player from the region, came on as a substitute and the experienced defender ensured the scoreline remained 3-1. DFC will play Gokulam Kerala on January 8 at the same venue.