Shillong, Aug 15: The 134th Durand Cup shifts into higher gear as quarterfinal action will grip Shillong and Kokrajhar in the first two knockouts of the 2025 edition on Saturday.
At the JN Stadium here Shillong Lajong will host Indian Navy at 4PM, while in Kokrajhar it will be Bodoland FC against NorthEast United at 7PM.
Lajong were one of the two second-placed teams from the group stage that qualified for the quarters, winning twice and losing to NEUFC in Group E. Indian Navy were the toppers of Group F, winning two and drawing the other of their games.
Later, Bodoland FC will be aiming to extend their dream run against defending champs NorthEast United, who won two and drew one game in Group E. BFC won all three of their Group D games, which were all played in Kokrajhar.
Home support in Shillong remains a potent weapon, with lively fan chants and drumming driving Lajong to punch above their weight. Coach Birendra Thapa is clear about the team’s approach, saying, “We play very aggressive and very attacking, which is our biggest strength. We have the quality on the ground and we’ll use every bit of it. I always want to win and encourage the players to give their best and enjoy the game.”
Indian Navy sailed through the group stages unbeaten, topping Group F after a dramatic late comeback in Imphal against TRAU. The Navy’s last-minute goals from Pintu Mahata and Sreyas VG secured their spot, with keeper Bhaskar Roy anchoring a steadfast backline. With physicality and fitness as their hallmarks, the Navy side will look to silence the packed Shillong crowd and execute their set-piece-heavy game plan.
Their head coach Ramesh Rai exuded confidence ahead of the contest, “Our preparation is good, the players are in shape, motivated and heading in the right direction. Tomorrow will be a beautiful game and we will fight. In football, we can never expect to win, but we can always promise a good game and a good fight.”
Of the seven uniformed forces teams – Indian Navy, Army and Air Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Malaysian and Nepal army teams – that entered the Durand Cup this year, the Navy are the only ones to reach the knockouts.
With both coaches setting a tone of ambition and resilience, this clash promises a fascinating contrast. Expect a seesaw battle, with Lajong’s attacking flair up against Navy’s discipline structure and counter-attacks.
Later, the spotlight shifts to Kokrajhar’s SAI Stadium, where first-time quarterfinalists Bodoland FC face the daunting challenge of defending champions NorthEast United. BFC, riding on the crest of local support, stormed through the group stage with a perfect 9 points. The energy and euphoria in Kokrajhar have been electric, creating one of Durand Cup’s most intimidating home atmospheres.
Coach Vikash Panthi has instilled a blend of attacking football and defensive discipline; the side’s transition play and pacey wingers are expected to pose problems for the Highlanders. “Tactics will be displayed on the pitch during the match,” said Panthi, keeping his cards close to his chest while hinting at a meticulously prepared game plan for the high-stakes clash.
But NorthEast United arrive as the heavyweight favourites, seeking back-to-back Durand Cup titles after winning Group E, anchored by coach Juan Pedro Benali’s superb tactical approach. Benali’s tactical acumen remains sharp, with NorthEast United retaining their free-flowing attacking style from last season and blending seasoned ISL campaigners with promising young talent. The ISL side boasts an experienced core, with Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie in lethal form. NorthEast’s unbeaten run in the tournament is the perfect validation to their pedigree and squad depth, but Bodoland’s fearless momentum and local advantage could force a thrilling contest.
(Durand Cup media file photo)