Shillong, Aug 21: Shillong Lajong FC stunned last year’s runners-up East Bengal 2-1 in the second quarterfinal of the Durand Cup 2024, which was played at the JN Stadium here this evening.
Marcos Rudwere Silva (8′) and substitute Figo Syndai (83′) scored for the home side while Nandhakumar Sekar (77′) scored for the Kolkatans.
There was just one change made by coach Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia to the Lajong starting line-up, with Aman Ahlawat starting in place of Kynsailang Khongsit.
East Bengal’s Carles Cuadrat fielded a strong starting XI with Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal and David Lalhlasanga leading the attack and Saul Crespo manning the midfield along with Jeakson Singh.
The home side stunned the Kolkata giants in the eighth minute when they took the lead through Rudwere. Hardy Cliff Nongbri, whose set-pieces have been dangerous throughout the tournament, sent in a perfect corner kick that was met by the Brazilian, who expertly finished to increase the decibels in the stadium.
The Red & Golds increased the tempo of the game after conceding, attacking the Lajong goal in every possible move. They had a barrage of chances to equalise but the attacks were either thwarted by the home side defence or saved by the goalkeeper Manas Dubey. The ones which were not interfered by the defence were wasted by the attackers.
Rudwere could have added a second goal soon but his header from yet another set-piece hit the crossbar and went out. There was a clear pattern in play as East Bengal were pressing hard for the equaliser while the Reds depended on counterattacks. The moves forward of the Kolkata side looked rushed and without much purpose as the Lajong defence were not troubled as the first half progressed and the hosts held the lead into the break.
The second half saw end-to-end football with both teams looking to score and they tested each other’s goalkeepers and defence on various occasions. East Bengal finally found their reward for their relentless pressure in the 77th minute.
Vishnu PK found Nandhakumar free at the far post and the Tamil Nadu winger calmly found the bottom corner with a side footed finish to make the scores level. East Bengal then pushed for the winner, which opened up spaces for the home side to counter attack. The local side made full use of their speed and troubled the Kolkata side’s defence, who had to scramble back to prevent the goal.
The home side stunned the visitors again late into the game with what turned out to be the winning goal. Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem’s cross from the left wing was received by Rudwere and the big striker played a low cross into the 6 yard box. Figo caught the defence napping as he slotted the ball past Prabhsukhan Gill as the home side completed a historic victory over the Kolkata giants.
Lajong’s unbeaten run now takes them to the semifinals where they will meet NorthEast United FC in a derby game on 25th August. NEUFC defeated Indian Army 2-0 in the earlier quarterfinal today. Both semis are meant to take place in Kolkata.
Shillong Lajong today:
Manas Dubey (GK), Ronney Wilson Kharbudon, Aman Ahlawat, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem (sub Gladdy Kharbuli 90′), Hamedamanbha Wahlang (sub Sangti Janai Shianglong 83′), Everbrightson Mylliempdah (sub Figo Syndai 58′), Phrangki Buam (sub Kynsailang Khongsit 90′), Marcos Rudwere Genar Silva (sub Laiwang Bohham 90′)
(Durand Cup media photo. Shillong Lajong FC in red, East Bengal in white)
