KOLKATA: Lajong FC from Shillong and local outfit Techno Aryan Club settled for a 1-1 draw in the inaugural match of the IFA Shield football tournament at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here today.
Aryan forged ahead by scoring in the 20th minute through striker Thoiba Singh, but their lead was short-lived as Lajong forward Racy drew level six minutes later.
Except for some occasional run with the ball and a few good passes from Baba Thunde, the local outfit gave a lacklustre display all through.
Aryan, playing in the second division of the I-league, took the lead midway through the first half when Thoiba volleyed home a cross off Babatunde (1-0).
Stung by the reverse the visitors, which has been demoted to second division of I league this season, pulled up their socks and went all out for the equaliser. But they were unlucky not to earn a goal when, in the 22nd minute, a shot by Lalramhua hit the crosspiece after beating Aryan custodian.
Lajong finally managed to restore parity when Racy beat the Aryan defence to find the target.
Towards the end Aryan again came close to scoring but Babatunde's cross went wide. Babatunde, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, had another chance to take the lead but he fluffed again.
Federation Cup winners East Bengal will take on Southern Samity in the group A match tomorrow. East Bengal are in group A with holders Churchill Brothers, Shandong Lueng FC from mainland China, Mohammdean Sporting (Kolkata) and Southern Samity.
Group B consists of Mohun Bagan, Chirag United SC, Techno Aryan Club, Lajong FC, and Pune FC.