The following is the product of a press release from the Durand Cup organisers and has only received minor edits from TSR
Shillong, Aug 9: Shillong Lajong’s spirited run in the competition hit its first roadblock as they went down 2-1 to defending champs NorthEast United, in a fiercely contested clash on Friday in the 134th Durand Cup.
Coming into the clash on the back of a win over the Malaysian Armed Forces and Rangdajied United, yesterday’s match was seen as both a test of their early season form and a chance to make a statement against one of the region’s biggest clubs.
From the outset, Lajong looked determined to stamp their authority on the match. True to their attacking philosophy, they pressed high, looked to control possession and refused to be intimidated by the scale of the occasion.
Coach Birendra Thapa, though disappointed with the final result, was full of praise for the commitment shown by his players.
“It was a good derby match and I am really very proud of the boys, the way we played – win or lose but I am happy with the boys. We gave our best, I am happy with the performance. We gave our best, unlucky we couldn’t win,” he said.
Several Lajong players caught the eye in the contest and Thapa was quick to acknowledge their contributions.
“Sheen [Sohktung], Damaitphang [Lyngdoh], Figo [Syndai], who scored the goal, were good. All played well,” he added.
But against NorthEast United, even the smallest lapse can prove costly, particularly with last season’s top scorer, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, leading their attack.
Ajaraie struck early in the game and Figo equalised in the 81st to send the home fans into raptures. However, Lajong let their guard down and Ajaraie reclaimed the lead for NEUFC just two minutes later.
“After scoring the goal we cannot drop the ball on the the best striker in the ISL who has scored the highest number of goals in the last season. We needed to keep track of him. We gave him two chances and he scored two goals,” Thapa admitted.
For Thapa, the derby performance reaffirmed his commitment to the team’s tactical identity.
“From the first match our strategy has been to play aggressive football, keep pressing, keep the ball possession. Any team we play we have to continue with the same strategy,” he said, making it clear that Lajong will not compromise on their approach.
While bragging rights went to NorthEast United this time, Lajong’s spirited display in front of a passionate crowd was a reminder of their fighting qualities.
Whether or not the competition offers them another chance to take the field, Thapa’s side have shown they can stand toe-to-toe with one of the league’s strongest teams and that performance alone will be remembered from this derby night.
Lajong still have a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals if they finish among the two best second-placed teams. So far, they’re in prime contention for such a spot but have to wait and see how the other groups’ remaining matches go.
(Durand Cup media photo)
