Shillong, Aug 19: Defending champions NorthEast United FC will look to qualify for their third straight final as they face 17-time winners Mohun Bagan in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup 2026, which will be played at the JN Stadium in Shillong on Thursday. Kick-off will be at 7PM.
NEUFC have been relentless in their title defence. The Highlanders stormed into their fourth consecutive Durand Cup semifinal following a breathtaking quarterfinal victory over home favourites Shillong Lajong FC. Overcoming a 2-1 half-time deficit, they turned the tide with a spectacular four-goal blitz in the second half to seal a 5-2 triumph.
Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan, the most successful club in the tournament’s history with 17 titles, have built their campaign on defensive solidity and clinical execution. After a flawless group stage without conceding a single goal, the Mariners held their nerve in a gripping quarterfinal. Following a 1-1 regulation-time draw against Jamshedpur FC, they survived a marathon sudden-death penalty shootout (9-8), courtesy of goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s heroics.
Whoever wins the semi will meet East Bengal in the final on 23rd August in Kolkata. East Bengal pipped SC Delhi 5-3 on penalties in the first semi today after a goalless 90 minutes.
For the Highlanders, tomorrow’s encounter carries the weight of history. They are chasing a third consecutive Durand Cup crown, eyeing an unprecedented “three-peat” to firmly stamp their authority on the Indian football landscape.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasised the challenge posed by their star-studded opponents. “It’s the semifinal of the Durand Cup, a very important game for us, and also for Mohun Bagan,” said Benali. “It will not be easy for either team. We’re talking about an opponent where nearly all their domestic players are national team regulars, combined with highly talented foreign players and a great coach.”
On the flip side, Bagan’s newly appointed head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis will be desperate to secure his maiden silverware with the club ahead of the ISL 2026-27 campaign. Benali also touched upon his familiarity with his opposite number, adding, “Panos is a friend, but inside the field, there are no friends. He is a great coach leading a very good team.”
Adding to the pre-match intrigue is the all-time head-to-head record, which heavily favours the Kolkata outfit: in 13 past meetings, Mohun Bagan has emerged victorious 10 times, compared to NEUFC’s two wins and a solitary draw. Both camps head into the fixture boasting fully fit rosters.
For the Mariners, Sahal Abdul Samad has been in sublime touch under Dilmperis. The attacking midfielder has already netted five goals, putting him firmly in the Golden Boot race – while continuing to orchestrate the team’s creative play. At the back, their defensive rigidity heavily relies on the structural discipline of the back four led by Subhasish Bose.
NEUFC’s quarterfinal resurgence was fueled by a sensational hat-trick from Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie. However, their defensive anchor, Spanish center-back Eneko Satrustegui, will be equally crucial. Still adapting to Indian conditions, his vast La Liga experience against European juggernauts like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be vital to neutralise Mohun Bagan’s lethal attacking trio of Jamie Maclaren, Dejan Drazic and Liston Colaco.
Behind Satrustegui, goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh remains a vital line of defence. The 2025 Golden Glove winner stressed the importance of psychological readiness heading into the blockbuster tie. “My expectation is to start the game with the right mentality, stay focused from the first minute, and give everything for the team,” Gurmeet said. “We’ve worked hard in training, and now it’s about executing our plan on the pitch. Hopefully, we can put in a strong performance and get the result we want.”
(Durand Cup photo)
