Shillongs Lajong Football Club continued their giantkilling spree as they shocked I-League champions Churchill Brothers 1-0 to book their maiden final berth in the Federation Cup. In-form Sheikhohao Tuboi scored in the 29th minute to give the side their first title round appearance of any major domestic tournament. Churchill,though,had squandered a penalty just after the Lajong goal with captain Odafe Onyeka Okolie missing out in the 35th minute. The Shillong side,who are participating in the tournament for the first time after being promoted to the I-League from the second division,will now take on the winner of Thursdays second semi-final between defending champions Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Lajong are now are in contention for an AFC Cup appearance. Churchill,who were aiming their third title of the season after IFA Shield and Durand Cup triumphs,had the better ball possession and dominated the match but the Lajong defence held forth remarkably well after Tuboi had put his side ahead. Lajong kept Odafe in shackles for most parts of the match,though the Nigerian was not at his best after wasting the penalty kick. In the 11th minute,Churchill went close to scoring but midfielder Ogba Kalus shot off a pass from Odafe was too feeble to trouble Lajong goalkeeper Gumpe Rime. But just as Churchill looked like gradually taking control of the game,came the shocker in the 29th minute.
