DURAND CUP
Shillong, Aug 7:The 134th Durand Cup is set for a fiery Northeast Derby as Shillong Lajong FC take on defending champions NorthEast United FC in a Group E decider at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Friday. With a place in the knockout stage on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Lajong, currently topping Group E, have been in imperious form at home, registering two dominant wins.
They began with a thumping 6-0 victory over Malaysian Armed Forces FT before clinching a convincing 3-1 win against local rivals Rangdajied United FC in the Shillong Derby.
Under new head coach Birendra Thapa, the youthful side has shown attacking flair and discipline, with local stars like Phrangki Buam, Mylliempdah, and Lyngdoh spearheading their charge.
The match also carries the emotional weight of revenge — Lajong were knocked out by NorthEast United with a 3-0 loss in last season’s semifinals.
That defeat still lingers in the minds of the players and fans, making Friday’s clash not just a group decider, but a battle for redemption.
“Derby matches are always special, and this one is no different,” said head coach Birendra Thapa ahead of the clash. “The players are motivated, we’ve prepared thoroughly, and we want to stick to our game plan.
-;The rivalry is strong, but our focus is on performance.”NorthEast United FC, meanwhile, arrive in Shillong as the reigning champions with their sights firmly set on defending their crown.
Last season, the Highlanders stormed to the title without conceding a goal across four matches — a record they are keen to uphold.This year, they opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Malaysian Armed Forces FT, showcasing a fluid attacking game and solid squad depth.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali has retained the core of his ISL-tested lineup while blending in promising young talent, making NEUFC a balanced and formidable side.
“It’s a Northeast derby, and that always brings its own intensity,” Benali remarked. “We respect Shillong Lajong — they’re a good team, especially at home. But for us, it’s just another match. We’re focused, and we know what’s at stake.”Both teams come into the tie with six points, making this a winner-takes-all contest. Should the game end in a draw, goal difference could decide who advances. With passionate home support behind Lajong and NorthEast United’s championship pedigree in the mix, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Friday’s derby isn’t just a group-stage fixture — it’s a defining moment in the Durand Cup’s storied history, one that celebrates the heart and soul of Northeast Indian football.