SHILLONG, Aug 25: As the excitement builds for the highly anticipated North-East derby on Monday, Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC are ready to face off at the JN Stadium. In a press conference held on Sunday, both teams expressed their confidence and determination ahead of the clash.
A former Lajong player, who now plays for NEUFC, acknowledged the challenge ahead but said it would be an interesting match to watch. When asked about his thoughts on facing his former team, Tlang maintained a competitive spirit, stating, “They are a good team. It will not be easy for them, and it will not be easy for us either. We have to fight for it.” He emphasized his commitment to NorthEast United, noting, “At the end of the day, you represent who you are playing for. Tomorrow, I’m representing NorthEast United, and for those 90 minutes, it’s a war. That’s how football is.”
Shillong Lajong’s Head Coach, Jose Hevia, spoke with enthusiasm about the overwhelming support from local fans. “It is very motivating for us to see an entire stadium shouting the name of Lajong and motivating us to win. It feels great to see that happen,” Hevia said.
Reflecting on the team’s journey to the semi-finals, where they notably defeated Kolkata giants East Bengal, Hevia added that the victory has significantly boosted the team’s confidence.
On the opposing side, NorthEast United FC’s Head Coach, Juan Pedro Benali, downplayed the potential impact of playing on Lajong’s home ground. “We love a full stadium. It should be packed. And we are professionals, all 11 of us. So I do not think that would matter. At the end of the day, it is the North-East derby, and may the best team win,” Benali said.
Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC will fight out in a ‘NorthEast Derby’ for a place in the finals of the 133 rd IndianOil Durand Cup semi-final whichwill be played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The match which was originally scheduled to take place inKolkata was rescheduled to Shillong, due to the request of the supporters.NorthEast United overcame a valiant Indian Army side in the quarterfinals 2-0 at Kokrajhar while Shillong Lajong stunned Kolkata giants Emami East Bengal in front of their home fans 2-1 to book their places in the firstsemi-finals. The stadium has been packed to the brim for all the matches in the tournament and the semi-finals on Monday will also be played in front of a packed stadium with fans of both sides supporting the teams.Shillong Lajong FC have been playing some excellent football throughout the tournament topping their group and then dumping out East Bengal in the quarterfinals, playing some tactically brilliant football. They defendedwell and then troubled the East Bengal in counter attacks. The productivity from set pieces for the local side havebeen brilliant as Captain Hardy Nongbri’s deliveries have troubled the opposition differences. Marcos Rudwere
Silva has been scoring goals while Phrangki Buam and Everbrightson Sana have been impressive in attack. Thedefence led by Brazilian Daniel Goncalves have been solid, letting in just two goals in the tournament.
On the other hand, NorthEast United have been brilliant in attack scoring 10 goals in the group stages. Jithin M.S, Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach have been combining well in attack with the able support of Moroccan midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemmamer. Spaniards Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach did score the match winners in the quarterfinals. The defence of the Highlanders have also been stingy letting in just a solitary goal in the tournament.
