Durand Cup: Defending Champions NorthEast United FC face Shillong Lajong

Defending champions NorthEast United FC face Shillong Lajong FC in the Durand Cup semifinal. With top scorer Ajaraie in form, NEUFC meet a confident young Lajong side eyeing revenge after last year’s loss

Hyderabad: Defending champions NorthEast United FC will face hosts Shillong Lajong FC in the first semifinal of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, a repeat of last year’s clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground) in Shillong.

NorthEast prevailed 3-0 over Shillong Lajong last year en route to the title, but the I-League side look determined to put up a stronger fight this time.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm.

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Juan Pedro Benali’s Highlanders topped Group E with a derby win over Lajong (2-1), a commanding 3-1 result against Malaysian Armed Forces and a 2-2 draw against Rangdajied United. They carried that form into the quarterfinals, dismantling Bodoland FC 4-0 in Kokrajhar, where Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice to take his tournament tally to seven.

Ajaraie, the tournament’s top scorer, has now scored in five straight Durand games and will be joined in attack by Jithin MS and Lalrinzuala.
“We have given our 100% and we will continue to do the same tomorrow. Pressure is always there, but we know how to manage it. We describe our team as a Wolfpack,” said Michel Zabaco, captain of NorthEast United FC.

Shillong Lajong’s strong run to the semifinals
The Red Dragons finished runners-up in the same group, blowing away Malaysian Armed Forces 6-0, narrowly losing to NEUFC, before overcoming Rangdajied United 3-1. In the quarters, Birendra Thapa’s young brigade staged a thrilling comeback, edging Indian Navy FT 2-1 courtesy goals from Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Everbrightson Sana.
The trio of Phrangki Buam, Everbrightson Sana and Figo Syndai have scored nine of Lajong’s 12 goals. Skipper Kenstar Kharshong has held a youthful defence together.
“We are looking forward to seeing the fans in the stands. Their support definitely lifts the boys, because without them we are nothing. We are ready for the match tomorrow, we know it’s do-or-die, and we are prepared to give everything we have,” Kenstar Kharshong said, exuding belief.

What the coaches said on match-eve
Juan Pedro Benali: “Shillong Lajong are a much better team this year. It’s always tough to play against them, and tomorrow won’t be any different. Last year is last year, tomorrow is a new challenge.”
Birendra Thapa: “The team is more confident compared to last year. We have lost to them twice, but our approach will be different in tomorrow’s match. It will be a tough contest.”