By Our Reporter
Shillong, Aug 21: Home side Shillong Lajong FC stunned last year’s runners-up Emami East Bengal 2-1 in the second quarterfinals to book their places in the semi-finals of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup which was played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Marcos Rudwere Silva and Figo Syndai scored for the home side while Nandhakumar Sekar scored for the Kolkata side.
Carles Cuadrat fielded a strong starting eleven with Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal and David Lalhlasanga leading the attack and Saul Crespo manning the midfield along with Jeakson Singh.
Jose Hevia fielded his strongest starting line up in front of the fully packed stadium. The home side stunned the Kolkata giants in the eighth minute when they took the lead through Marcos Rudwere Silva.
Hardy Cliff Nongbri, whose set-pieces have been dangerous throughout the season, sent in a perfect corner kick which was met by Rudwere and the Brazilian expertly finished to increase the decibels in the stadium.
The Red and Gold’s after increased the tempo of the game after conceding, attacking the Shillong Lajong goal in every possible move. They had a barrage of chances to equalise, but the attacks were either thwarted by the home side defence or saved the goalkeeper Manas Dubey. The ones which were not interfered by the defence were wasted by the attackers.
Rudwere Silva could have added a second goal soon but his header from yet another set-piece hit the crossbar and went out.
There was a clear pattern in play as Emami East Bengal were pressing hard for the equaliser while The Red Dragons depended on the counter attacks.
The attacks of the Kolkata side looked rushed and without much purpose as the Lajong defence were not troubled as the first half progressed and the hosts took the lead into the break.
The second half saw end-to-end football with both teams looking to score and they tested each other’s goalkeeper and defence on various occasions. East Bengal finally found their reward for their relentless pressure in the 77th minute. Vishnu P.K found Nandhakumar Sekar free at the far post and the Tamil Nadu winger calmly found the bottom corner with a side footed finish to make the scores level.
Emami East Bengal then pushed for the winner which opened up spaces for the home side to counter attack. The local side made full use of their speed and troubled the Kolkata side’s defence who had to scramble back to prevent the goal.
The home side stunned the visitors again late into the game which turned out to be the winning goal of the match.
Wadajied’s cross from the left wing was received by Rudwere and the big striker played a low cross into the six yard box. Figo Syndai caught the East Bengal defence napping as he slotted the ball past Prabhsukhan Gill as the home side completed a historic victory over the Kolkata Giants.
Elsewhere, second half Goals from Spaniards Nestor Albiach and Guillermo Fernandez ensured NorthEast United book their places in the semi-finals of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup, overcoming a valiant Indian Army FT in the first quarterfinal which was played at the SAI Stadium.
Juan Pedro Benali fielded his side with both Nestor Albiach and Guillermo Fernandez starting up front and Jithin M.S and Ankith Padmanabhan starting on the wings. A change was also made in goal, as Gurmeet Singh started. Indian Army FT Head Coach Manish Wahi named a starting eleven packed with midfielders and Liton Shil as the lone striker.
NorthEast showed great intent from the first whistle looking to unsettle the Indian Army defence. The trio of Nestor, Guillermo and Jithin M.S dominated proceedings in the initial exchanges with multiple attacks on the Army goal. Army goalkeeper Bhabindara Malla Thakuri made two reflex saves to deny Jithin and Guillermo and keep the scores level. The Army Men absorbed the pressure and slowly made their presence in the match by controlling the midfield. They crowded the midfield and did not allow any space for the Highlanders midfield to find the forwards and on the other end, used the wings to good effect stretching the play.
Indian Army looked particularly threatening in set pieces as Pardeep Singh’s header was saved by Gurmeet Singh. The Army Men dominated the rest of the half asking questions of the Highlanders defence. The Army men ended the half with a flourish as B. Sunil forced a fine save from Gurmeet Singh.
Both coaches brought in changes for the second half and both sides started on fifth gear creating chances on both ends.