Shillong, Aug 18: Defending champions NorthEast United will face hosts Shillong Lajong in the first semifinal of the 134th Durand Cup 2025, a repeat of the last edition at the JN Stadium here on Tuesday. Kick-off will be at 7PM.
NorthEast Utd prevailed 3-0 over Lajong last year on their way to clinching the title but the I-League side are more determined to give a stronger fight against the opposition. The two teams have already met in this edition, having been slotted in the same group. NEUFC got a taste of the much-improved Reds, though the Highlanders still prevailed 2-1.
Juan Pedro Benali’s NEUFC topped Group E with the victory over Lajong, 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 netted 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, the NorthEast United captain, about the clash.
Lajong finished runners-up in the same group, blowing away Malaysian Armed Forces 6-0, falling narrowly to NEUFC, before overcoming Rangdajied United 3-1. In the quarters, Birendra Thapa’s young brigade staged a thrilling comeback, edging Indian Navy 2-1 courtesy goals from Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Everbrightson Mylliempdah.
The trio of Phrangki Buam, Everbrightson and Figo Syndai have scored nine of Lajong’s 12 goals.
“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,” SLFC skipper Kenstar Kharshong said. Tickets are already sold out and Lajong will certainly have the edge in terms of supporters, though there will be plenty of cheering for NEUFC too.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference today, Benali said, “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.”
For his part, Thapa promised that Lajong won’t be pushovers. “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,” he said.
(Durand Cup media file photo)
