Shillong, Aug 25: Shillong Lajong FC will seek to keep their supreme run in the Durand Cup 2024 going as they meet NorthEast United FC in a derby match at the JN Stadium here on Monday. Kick-off will be at 5:30PM.
Tickets are sold out but the match will be livestreamed on giant screens around the city and in other towns in Meghalaya. Organisers will be hoping that this will undo some of the bad taste in the mouth of thousands of disappointed fans who spent hours in chaos to buy a ticket only to come away empty-handed.
NorthEast United overcame Indian Army in the quarterfinals 2-0 in Kokrajhar while Lajong stunned Kolkata giants East Bengal 2-1 here to book their places in the last-four.
Knocked out in the group stage last year, the 2024 edition has witnessed a completely different SLFC, who have made full use of playing at home.
They defended well and then troubled East Bengal in counterattacks. The productivity from set-pieces for the local side have been brilliant as Hardy Cliff Nongbri’s deliveries have troubled the opposition differences. Marcos Rudwere Silva has been scoring goals while Phrangki Buam and Everbrightson Sana have been impressive in attack. The defence, led by Daniel Goncalves have been solid, letting in just two goals in the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the match today, Lajong coach, Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia said, “Tomorrow’s semifinal is a huge match for the club, the fans of the club and everyone in Meghalaya. We are well-prepared for the match and we will be playing to our full capability against a very strong opposition.”
“We are excited for tomorrow’s match and we will play our style of football in front of our loyal fans. NorthEast United is a good team and we will have an exciting match against them”, added Hardy Cliff.
On the other hand, NEUFC have been brilliant in attack, scoring 10 goals in the group stage. Jithin MS, Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach have been combining well in attack with the able support of Moroccan midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemmamer. Spaniards Guillermo and Nestor scored in the quarterfinals. The defence of the Highlanders has also been stingy, letting in just a solitary goal in the tournament.
“It is going to be a great experience for us to be playing in the semifinals of such a great tournament in front of our fans and also in a packed stadium, said their coach Juan Pedro Benali.
When asked about the pressure of playing in front of away fans, the Spaniard added, “Actually, in contrast, we love to play in front of such packed stadiums. It helps the players to lift their spirits and play freely to get a positive result from the game.”
(Durand Cup media photo of the two coaches)
