Ratings: Phalguni Singh shines as NorthEast United qualify for Durand Cup semis

NorthEast United FC to appear in their first ever Durand Cup semi-final

At the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, NorthEast United FC defeated Indian Army with a narrow margin of 1-0 to win the quarterfinal match of the 132nd edition of Durand Cup and get through to the final 4. Even after giving up a goal after a goalless first half, Indian Army played with a lot of heart to recover, but they were unable to strike the much-needed equalizer. Numerous replacements were attempted by the Indian Army coach, but nothing worked in their favour.

NorthEast United FC, on the other hand, completely dominated the second half. At the 51st minute of the game, the Youngstar from Manipur, Konsham Phalguni Singh scores the game’s only goal which led his team to victory.

Here are the Player Ratings from the game.

Indian Army Football Team ( By Analoy Majumder)

Bhabindra Thankur – 6.5

Bhabindra, the goalkeeper captain, was really powerful today under the post. Thakur put on a fantastic show of confidence in the goal, skillfully gathering crosses and tormenting NorthEast United FC with a couple of fast stops. He had no control over the floating ball that Manvir Singh headed into the box for Phalguni Singh to score by tapping it in.

Suresh Meitei – 7.0

Suresh Meitei really did a good job at the backline, he was strong and confident in his defensive work against the NorthEast United FC. Suresh, in addition to his strong defensive play, passed the ball forward well for his team.

Zothanpuia – 6.0

The young Mizo centre-back was quite noticeable today in the defence of Indian Army FT. Although Zothanpuia controlled a rather robust backline, he was unable to stop them from being conceding in the second half.

Liton Shil – 7.5

Liton Shil was very postitve today in the wing, he created multiple goal scoring opportunites for the Indian Army’s side but left to score a goal. Following a goal conceded in the second half, Indian Army played a strong attacking game to equalize, and Liton Shil performed well to find an opportunity in the goal and tried hard to get his team to victory.

Christopher Kamei – 6.0

Christopher Kamei did well in the midfield, he crafted a two-three chances from the midfield. The Manipuri was confident with the ball, but was later substituted before the stoppage time.

Shafeel PP – 5.5

Shafeel was not up to the mark today at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati as he fumbled at one or two situations and the center-back struggled to create anything with his ineffective crosses. He also participted in the goal scoring chances but left to convert.

Premkumar SK – 6.0

Premkumar, the manipuri left-back was strong in his position and delivered strong command over the match. His positive movements and his notion of coming for overlapping through the wing made him stand out among the other defenders today.

Deepak Singh- 6.5

Deepak Singh’s with the ball movements in today’s match was quite impressive. He tried to put the opponent’s defence busy by deliverying crosses into the final third of NEUFC. Singh in the later of the game was substituted by M. Ronaldo Singh.

Lethaolen Khongsai – 6.0

Lethaolen Khongsai was fairly spirited in the opening period but found it difficult to halt the quick breakaway as the game progressed. He was also unable to provide much positive for his side.

Rahul Ramakrishnan – 5.5

Rahul did well in the midfield but failed to help the attckers convert a goal. He made several good runs and some appealing passes, but his effort in the last third was once more pretty sloppy.

Samir Murmu – 7.5

In the final third, Samir Murmu controlled the show for the Indian Army, making some excellent passes to open up opportunities. He was highly proactive after coming in and was on the receiving end of several opportunities.

Substitutes

M. Ronaldo Singh – 5.5

Ronaldo Singh came on the pitch in the second half in place of Deepak Singh but was not much impressive as he did not laid much positive impact for the team. He was involved in positive chances created by the Indian Army’s side to find the equaliser.

Bikash Thapa – 6.0

Bikash Thapa would have been more effective in today’s match if brought earlier. Thapa made an attempt towards the goal but it was not enough to beat an experieneced goalie like Mirshad. He was brought in place of Liton Shill.

NorthEast United FC ( By Keshava Verma)

Mirshad Michu – 7

Mirshad had a pretty decent game, as he made a few easy saves, and was also aware enough to make some clearances.

Tondonba Singh – 7

Tondonba had a great game, as he kept the right flank intact, and made some great offensive passes, including some stellar through balls.

Gaurav Bora – 6.5

Gaurav’s solid shift at the back, ensured a clean sheet for the Highlanders, as the centre back once again proved his worth to the head coach.

Miguel Zabaco – 7

Zabaco ran the defense for Northeast tonight, and had a superb night. The Spaniard was incredible with his interceptions and clearances, and played a crucial role in Northeast second clean sheet of the competition.

Gani Nigam – 7.5

Gani was confident with his passing, and made a great impact with his incredible pressing.

 Romain Phillipateoux – 7

Despite playing a decent game, Romain failed to meet the fans’ expectations. The Frenchman couldn’t create the magic that he is known for, and was substituted around the 70 minute mark.

Konsam Phalguni Singh – 8

Phalguni had a spectacular evening, as he scored his first ever goal for the Highlanders, and was a lethal attacking force all night long. The player yet again was great with his pressing, as well as his off the ball positioning.

Redeem Tlang – 6

Redeem had a pretty bad day at the office, as he put in a poor performance at the front. The winger made no decent runs, and his passing was all over the place. After a poor first half, he was subbed off at the start of the second 45.

Rochharzela – 6

Similar to Redeem, Chhara was another player who made a pretty bad impression tonight. Chhara had no confidence with the ball at his feet, and he made a pretty minimal impact on field. Chhara was also subbed off at the start of the second half.

Ibson Melo – 6.5

Ibson had a comparatively better game tonight, but still needs to work a lot on his physical fitness. The Brazilian also missed some decent opportunities near the goal.

Dinesh Singh – 7

Dinesh also had a great evening, and he made a number of tackles and interceptions, and showed promising signs of progress.

Substitutions

Mohammed Ali Bemammer – 6.5

Mohammed made his debut, when he came at around the 75th minute mark. The Moroccan did well to provide defensive stability towards the end of the game.

Nestor Albiach – 7

Having come on in the second half, Nestor created a number of chances, and also played the cross that led to the goal. Other than that, his long range passing was also impressive.

Asheer Akhtar – 6.5

Asheer was subbed late into the game, but made a lot of impact with his defensive contributions.

 Manvir Singh – 7

Manvir operated well from the left flank, and did a much better job at creating chances from the wings.

 Huidrom Thoi Singh – 6.5

Thoi also made his debut, and made a decent impact in the few minutes he had on the field.

Jithin MS – 6.5

Jithin used his pace to the fullest, but was yet again poor with his decision making and passing. 

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