Nagaland’s lethal striker, Laiwang Bohamm Konyak, scored his first goal for Shillong Lajong FC, becoming the second Nagaland player to score in the I-League after Kivi Zhimomi.
It was a match that gave Pursunep and Laiwang Konyak a chance to shine in the starting 11, and they performed wonders by scoring a goal and also earning a penalty to double the lead for the team. In this match, Shillong Lajong FC defeated Churchill Brothers 2-0 in their I-League fixture at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on December 6. This win places Shillong third on the table points, just below Sreenidi Deccan on goal difference.
Speaking exclusively to Mokokchung Times, he said, “It feels great to score my first goal. I’ve been praying and waiting for my chance, and I’m so happy that God has answered my prayers today. With the help of the Almighty God, I could score today.”
He acknowledged God for answering his prayers and thanked his family members and friends, who have been praying for and supporting him throughout.
Konyak mentioned the immense support from his friend Neithovilie and Pursunep, also in Lajong club, which gave him the extra motivation to keep working towards his goal.
It was clearly seen after scoring his first goal as he went to hug the goalkeeper Neithovilie who was in the bench.
Regarding his struggles to get playing time, he mentioned that after signing for the club, he performed well during the preseason. However, after the arrival of foreign players, his chances became slim.
“I was waiting for my chance, giving my best effort in practice sessions. Today, it worked wonders as I was able to score the much-needed goal for my team, and I am so proud to be a part of this club.”
According to a match report from the I-League website, “It was another Pursunep cross that started it, this one more of a low, fizzing one that Samb tried to meet first-time from the penalty mark. He miscued his kick, and the ball looped upwards, into no man’s land, with no defenders nor goalkeeper committing to push it away. Laiwang Bohham met it five yards from goal and kicked it in.”
In the second half, Lajong doubled their lead through a penalty from Renan Paulino. In the buildup, Churchill’s Rahul Raju brought down Bohham illegally inside the box, just after Pursunep had been brought down in a similar fashion, which resulted in the penalty as reported by the AIFF media team.
The 23-year-old Konyak hails from Tizit Town, Zangkham Village, under the Mon district. Prior to joining Shillong Lajong FC, Konyak has played for several clubs, including Gauhati Town Club, Caligat MS Kolkata, RBI Chennai, Minerva Academy Punjab, Delhi FC, and Gokulam Kerala FC.