SHILLONG, Aug 26: What was anticipated to be a landmark day for football fans in the state turned out to be a disappointment, as Shillong Lajong FC fell to NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) with a 3-0 defeat in the first semifinal of the 133rd Durand Cup at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium here on Monday.
The only consolation for local supporters was that Lajong’s defeat came at the hands of NorthEast United, a team often regarded as a “brother” club, featuring former Lajong player Redeem Tlang, who left the club in 2018.
NEUFC, led by Spanish coach Juan Pedro Benali, dominated the match from the outset. Two first-half goals by Thoi Singh and Alaaeddine Ajaraie, followed by a stoppage-time strike from Parthib Gogoi, secured the Guwahti-based club’s spot in the final. This victory not only earned them a place in the Durand Cup final but also marked the club’s first-ever appearance in a national tournament final since its inception.
Benali’s tactical decisions bore fruit early, with Thoi scoring the opening goal in the 13th minute after a well-executed move. That quickly silenced the 15,000 passionate Shillong fans supporting the Reds. Ajaraie doubled the lead in the 33rd minute with a clinical finish, assisted by a brilliant pass from Spanish playmaker Néstor Roger.
Shillong Lajong made efforts to respond, but NEUFC’s midfield, anchored by Mohammed Ali Bemammer, controlled the game effectively. Despite their best efforts, Lajong couldn’t penetrate NEUFC’s defence, and Gogoi sealed the victory with a solo effort in dying minutes of the game.
Lajong’s head coach, José Hevia, offered a candid assessment of his team’s performance after the match, acknowledging that a miscommunication might have led to the first goal.
However, he noted that the team lost momentum in the second half, leading to a lackluster performance.
“When they (Lajong players) are two goals down, it is very difficult and complicated to keep the same intensity. And they (NEUFC) knew how to cancel us,” Hevia remarked.
In contrast, NEUFC coach Benali was in high spirits after the victory, even enjoying the challenge posed by the passionate crowd, which was firmly behind Lajong.
“We loved it. It was fun. We are brothers,” he said, reflecting on how his team thrived despite the home advantage for their opponents.
It is worth mentioning that this was only the second time Shillong Lajong reached the semifinals of the Durand Cup, with their previous appearance in 2011.
Despite the loss, Hevia expressed pride in his team’s overall performance in the tournament and gratitude towards the fans, saying, “Thanks to all the fans that came. Because of them, we could reach the semifinals. They deserve the best.”
As Shillong Lajong bows out of the tournament, NEUFC prepares for their first-ever appearance in the Durand Cup final, carrying the hopes of the entire region with them.
