Shillong Lajong FC will face NorthEast United FC in a blockbuster ‘Derby’ on Monday for a spot in the final of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup. In the quarterfinals, NorthEast United overcame a valiant Indian Army side by a margin of 2-0 in Kokrajhar, whereas Shillong Lajong stunned East Bengal 2-1.
The semi-final, to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, is expected to see a packed house, with both sets of fans having a strong presence in Meghalaya’s capital. The match was originally scheduled to take place in Kolkata but was rescheduled at the request of the supporters.
Lajong Supremacy
Shillong Lajong FC topped their group, which included teams like FC Goa, Nepal’s Tribuvan Army, and local side Rangdajied United.
Captain Hardy Nongbri has led from the front, and his set-pice deliveries have yielded success for Lajong. The likes of Phrangki Buam and Everbrightson Sana have been a menace in attack, with Marcos Rudwere Silva scoring some brilliant goals. Brazilian Daniel Goncalves has been solid at the back, as Shillong Lajong have conceded just two goals so far in the tournament.
Shillong Lajong’s head coach, Jose Hevia, is looking forward to the game and feels his team’s supporters will make their presence felt like they did against East Bengal.
“The semi-final 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,” said Jose Hevia.
“We are excited for the match, and we will play our style of football in front of our loyal fans. NorthEast is a good team, and we will have an exciting match against them,” added Shillong Lajong’s Harry Nongbri.
Highlanders Flying High
NorthEast United, too, have been prolific so far in the tournament. NEUFC topped Group E, scoring 10 goals and letting in just one.
The trio of Jithin M.S., Guillermo Fernandez, and Nestor Albiach have been clicking in attack with support from Moroccan midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemmamer.
“It is going to be a great experience for us to be playing in the semi-finals of such a great tournament in front of our fans and also in a packed stadium,” said NorthEast United’s head coach, Juan Pedro Benali.
Asked if there would be pressure to play in Shillong, he said, “Actually, on the contrary, 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.”
In the last match played between the two teams, NorthEast United beat Shillong Lajong 2-1 in their group stage encounter of the Kalinga Super Cup in Bhubaneswar.
Tickets were sold out within hours, and according to reports in the local media, fans from all over the state and neighbouring cities have travelled to Shillong for the game. Screenings have also been organised across Meghalaya, with all roads leading to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
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