By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC stormed into the semi-final of the Durand Cup with a 3-1 win over United Sikkim in New Delhi on Sunday.
James Gbilee (32nd) and Christopher Chizoba (36th and 83rd) found the target for Lajong while Sushil Kumar scored for United Sikkim in the 44th minute.
Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy said the team was delighted to qualify for the semis and would want to maintain the same level of consistency in the crucial matches to come.
“The boys have done well consistently in the last seven months to reach the semis of IFA Shield, Federation Cup and now the Durand Cup,” Reddy told The Shillong Times.
Lajong would play the winners of the match between Churchill Brothers and Md. Sporting in the semi-final to be played on Thursday.
Churchill, who had beaten Lajong in the Federation Cup last month, are hot favourites to qualify for the last four stage as even a draw would secure them the berth on Monday.
The Lajong coach however was confident of a different result this time.
“We palyed well against Churchill in the Federation Cup but unfortunately ended up losing the match due to a few mistakes. If we can rectify those and play an attacking game we can turn the tables here.”
Lajong had earlier defeated Indian Air Force in their first match.
In another match Prayag United beat Salgaocar 2-0 to reach the semis. (With inputs from Agencies)
